Another Hiker with a Medical Emergency on Franconia Ridge Trail

[RememberSchiff]

Meanwhile on a lighter note ... two days later, same general area as previous post

"NH PAW RESCUE - Incident Report

“Crosby” - September 16, 2024

Just after 3:30 pm on Monday, September 16, 2024, NH PAW RESCUE was notified by the AMC about a dog (Crosby, 110 lbs, 7.5 yo) with owner (and 2nd dog) in need of assistance at approximately 3250’ on the Old Bridle Path on the west side of Franconia Ridge, NH.

While on a strenuous hike of the Franconia Ridge Loop, Crosby’s owner noticed him slowing down and taking longer breaks approximately 5 miles into the almost 9 mile hike. The group made it to the AMC’s Greenleaf Hut and rested. After resting, Crosby made it almost 1 mile down the Old Bridle Path to 3250’, but then stopped hiking due to exhaustion and soft tissue damage on his paw pads. The weather was stable, but Crosby’s owner lacked lighting, enough gear to stay comfortable, and did not have canine evacuation supplies.

NH Paw Rescue team members and other volunteers hiked up the Old Bridle Path to assist, with the first responder starting up just after 5:00 pm. During this time, passing hikers helped immensely by carrying Crosby down to an elevation of 2060’. The full NH Paw Rescue team arrived at Crosby’s location at 6:30 pm, loaded him in a rigid litter, and carried him down to the trailhead, arriving just after 7:15 pm. Crosby’s paws were bandaged, covered by booties, and he jumped into his owner’s vehicle to rest and head home. Crosby’s owner was planning to seek veterinary care.

 

 

 

ANALYSIS: The Franconia Ridge Loop is a difficult almost 9 mile hike, climbs from 1800’ to over 5200’, is exposed to the elements for long stretches, and has very rocky footing. These factors, combined with warmer than average September temperatures, proved to be too much for a large Golden Retriever like Crosby. There are many takeaways to be learned from Crosby’s experience:

-When hiking in the White Mountains, make sure to take appropriate equipment and supplies (learn more at hikesafe.com/). In particular, make sure you have warm/protective clothing, a headlamp, a map, extra food/water, and a 1st aid kit.

-Be conservative with your dog’s hiking ability, especially with larger and older dogs. Stay on easy/moderate terrain until you and your dog have more experience.

-Pack a dog rescue harness and dog 1st aid supplies including bandaging, vet wrap, and paw booties. Most dogs will not like having paw booties on, but they can enable a dog to walk out with minor paw pad damage. Do not attempt a hike with your dog on the Franconia Ridge (or any other mountain terrain) without this critical gear and the ability to use it.

-Carefully check paw pads frequently, and address any paw pad damage before it gets worse. Keep in mind that dogs don’t often show early signs of paw distress (as many owners expect) and may only exhibit symptoms when it is severe.

-Be cautious in warm weather. While this is very dog dependent, use care above 70 °F and consider avoiding any strenuous activities above 80 °F.

 

-Keep in mind that dog rescue help in the White Mountains is not available through NH Fish & Game and official SAR teams. If volunteers are available to assist your dog, it may take many hours (or overnight) for help to reach you.

NH PAW RESCUE is an informal group of volunteers available to assist with dog rescue incidents in the mountains of NH. NH PAW RESCUE is not affiliated with human SAR teams in NH or with NH Fish & Game."

Source:

https://www.facebook.com/nhpawrescue/?_rdr

 

Scout Salute to volunteers of NH Paw Rescue and other hikers who assisted. 

Edited September 19 by RememberSchiff
two days later , not same day , sorry about that