Rescue on Katahdin

[SavageLlama]

Check out this story published today..


Rescue under way on Mount Katahdin

June 8, 2004
Bangor Daily News (Maine)

BAXTER STATE PARK - An injured man and his hiking party remained on Mount Katahdin on Monday night while rescuers attempted to reach the group after they called for help with a cell phone at 3 p.m., according to park director Buzz Caverly.
The man, whose name was not released, should recover from a shoulder injury he suffered after falling off a rock face on the Hunt Trail - part of the Appalachian Trail - approximately 3,000 feet up the mountain, Caverly said.

A pack the man was wearing may have acted as padding and prevented a more serious injury, he said. Fog and cloud cover prohibited the use of a helicopter to reach the party, so 30 rescuers climbed the mountain Monday afternoon in hopes of descending by daylight today, Caverly said.

Caverly would not say whether the man's party, which included his daughter, were from Maine.

Earlier this spring, a hiking group from Quebec became stranded on the mountain for two nights in whiteout conditions, Caverly said, but managed to hike down on their own.

"It's awful early to have these incidents occur this soon" in the season, he said.

[torch]

Isn't cell phone use prohibited in Baxter?

[Lone Wolf]

30 rescuers for a shoulder injury? He's screwed for having the cell phone. Big fines.

[jersey joe]

Seriously, 30 rescuers? Was there an army platoon in the area with nothing better to do???

I'm not a big fan of cell phones either but carrying a cell phone in this case may have saved this guy's life. I'm surprised there is actually cell service on Baxter! Can you hear me now?

[TJ aka Teej]

30 rescuers for a shoulder injury?

And from just up on the Hunt Spur? When the guy still had two good legs?

[TJ aka Teej]

Katahdin climber released from hospital

BAXTER STATE PARK (AP) -- A 56-year-old New Jersey man is out of the hospital after being carried down Mount Katahdin on a stretcher following a fall from a rock face.

Park rangers spent 12 hours rescuing Vincent Jones, who dislocated both of his shoulders in the Monday afternoon accident on the Hunt Trail, at an elevation of 3,000 feet.

About 50 people, including volunteers from a nearby campground and a white-water rafting company, took part in the rescue. Because of the weather and mechanical issues, there was no attempt at a helicopter rescue.

[SavageLlama]

Today's article in the local Maine paper..

Injured Baxter hiker rescued N.J. man, 3 others were on Katahdin

June 9, 2004
Bangor Daily News
Page 1

BAXTER STATE PARK - A New Jersey man was treated at a local hospital and then released Tuesday after falling from a rock face on Mount Katahdin on Monday and dislocating both shoulders.
Vincent Jones, 56, was taken to Millinocket Regional Hospital at 6 a.m. Tuesday after park rangers spent 12 hours rescuing him and two others from 3,000 feet high on the Hunt Trail, according to park naturalist Jean Hoekwater.

Jones fell six feet onto his back at 12:40 p.m. Monday and became stuck when the pack he was wearing caught between some boulders, Hoekwater said. Jones was immobilized and in severe pain after strain from the pack's arm straps dislocated his shoulders, according to a report by Chief Ranger Chris Drew.

Other hikers called park staff by cell phone shortly after Jones fell, but weather conditions and mechanical issues prevented a helicopter rescue, Hoekwater said.

"Sometimes people think [a helicopter rescue] is a fairly routine thing," she said Tuesday.

Rescuers were forced to hike up the mountain, administer first aid and then carry Jones back down on a stretcher, Hoekwater said.

Darkness and the difficult terrain of the Hunt Trail - which is part of the Appalachian Trail - slowed rescuers' descent while they lowered Jones over boulder fields, Hoekwater said.

"It takes quite a few people," she said. "It's always very hard and very slow."

Approximately 50 people, including volunteers from a nearby campground and a white-water rafting outfit, took part in the rescue effort, she said.

"We were very fortunate that everything went as smoothly as it did," Hoekwater said. "It's a tough trail."

Dirigo, Lincoln, Mount Desert Island and Sunrise search and rescue teams assisted park rangers in the rescue, setting up a base camp at Katahdin Stream Campground, Hoekwater said. Jones, his daughter Alpine Jones and a friend had left from the campground Monday morning, she said.

Jones apparently was dressed adequately and prepared for the hike, though recent rain contributed to slippery conditions on the mountain, Hoekwater said.

"Even the most experienced hikers have a misstep or a misfortune," she said.

[Pencil Pusher]

It's not surprising, the number of rescuers involved, given this updated news. Since the idea of first aid/rescue is to prevent further injury, carrying a litter through a boulder field is quite people/manpower intensive. Basically a static human chain on both sides with maybe a rope to the litter in scramble areas. Never been there, so don't know. I have helped carry a person down and it is quite the experience. Very slow and tedious, at least based on my previous expectations/thoughts.
Geez, both shoulders dislocated? No wonder the guy couldn't move. Is there still criticism for the use of a cell phone in this case?

[Alligator]

...
Geez, both shoulders dislocated? No wonder the guy couldn't move. Is there still criticism for the use of a cell phone in this case?

Yeah, fine him. He wasn't supposed to have it in the park. The guy is from Jersey, he'll understand.

[cabalot]

what is it a fine to use a cell phone in the park?

[Lone Wolf]

******* stupid rule.

[Pencil Pusher]

http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/rules/allrules.html

BAXTER STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS 1998

Summary: These rules, adopted by the Baxter State Park Authority (the "Authority") pursuant to 12 M.R.S.A. Sec. 903, govern the use of Baxter State Park (the "Park") by the public. No provision of these rules applies to law enforcement or administrative personnel in the course of their official duties. Any delegation of authority to the Director under these rules includes delegation to the Director's designee. In addition to any specific provision contained in these rules, the Director may restrict public uses or activities within the Park as necessary to preserve or protect the Park or to assure the safety of Park users.

25. AUDIO DEVICES: Audio devices such as radios, televisions, cassette players, or cellular telephones may not be operated within the Park.

http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/12/title12sec903.html

<TABLE cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#f2e3df>Title 12: CONSERVATION
Part 2: FORESTS, PARKS, LAKES AND RIVERS
Chapter 211: STATE PARKS
Subchapter 3: BAXTER STATE PARK

§903. Rules and regulations (CONTAINS TEXT WITH VARYING EFFECTIVE DATES)</TD></TR><TR><TD bgColor=#f2eee8>

(WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE UNTIL 7/1/04)

The Baxter State Park Authority may in a manner consistent with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, establish such rules and regulations as it deems necessary for the protection and safety of the public or for the proper observance of the conditions and restrictions expressed in the deeds of trust of the park to the State. [1977, c. 694, § 237 (rpr).]

Whoever violates any of the rules and regulations of said park authority, promulgated in conformity with this section, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100 and costs or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or by both. [1973, c. 201 (amd).]
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


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Stupid rule. Nevertheless, I think this case falls outside the intentions of that rule. If a fine is levied, what if the cell phone call was to report a park employee being raped. Would they issue a fine then? Both are emergencies...

[hiker dude]

Rape, if you were being raped, you think I should call someone huh? NYC, and stay there. You don't get it. They don't want Your NYC cell towers with the flashy lights all over Baxter next. Its the price you pay when you leave NYC.

[Pencil Pusher]

Ah yes, never underestimate the power of idiots in large groups.

[Alligator]

If you don't like the rules of the park, and you're from out of state, too bad. The gift of the park was a gift to the people of the state of Maine. The rules come with that gift. If you are a resident and you don't like the rules, make your voice heard to the park governing body.

"Seldom has a more generous gift been presented to a people than has been given by Percival Proctor Baxter to the State of Maine. It is incumbent upon them, the recipients, to preserve the trust impressed upon them, to ensure for themselves and for future generations the fullest use of Baxter State Park consistent with the desires of the donor."

Statement of Purpose: 105th Maine Legislature, 1971

[Lone Wolf]

Close all roads and require people to walk in.

[c.coyle]

... NYC, and stay there. You don't get it. They don't want Your NYC cell towers with the flashy lights all over Baxter next. Its the price you pay when you leave NYC.

Hmmm. I see you're in the Poconos. Would the fact that you folks have become the 6th borough of NYC have anything to do with your hostility?

[Alligator]

I didn't know you were a Mainer LW. Perhaps you could move to Maine and make your opinion worth something. Sort of like the advice you give to out of towners regarding Trail Days.

[Lone Wolf]

Oh quiet down your piehole! A cell phone hurts nothing. And they should tear down all the nice little leantos and as folks walk in they'll have to provide their own shelter. And get rid of those stupid little day packs that thruy hikkers use to carry their cupcakes and champagne to the top. Earl didn't need no stinkin day pack! I love being on top when some dude breaks out a cigar in celebration and some whiny leftie starts bitchin about air quality and such. Ban cigars!

[Pencil Pusher]

Seeing what the penailties are, I wouldn't hesitate to use the cell phone in an emergency. Better to get the help you need and worry about a petty fine later.