Rescue Crews Respond To Injured Hiker On Bethlehem Mountain

BETHLEHEM, NH - New Hampshire Fish and Game Department was notified of an injured hiker on Middle Sugarloaf Mountain in Bethlehem Saturday. Conservation officers were advised a 71-year-old female had suffered a lower leg injury as she had started descending from the summit of the mountain.

Passing hikers had stopped to render assistance and it was quickly determined that a carry out would be required. The first rescuers reached the injured hiker at about 3:45 p.m. A rescue team was comprised of Conservation Officers and volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team reached the injured hiker was placed into a litter and carried the 1.3 miles to the trailhead on Zealand Road where they arrived at 5:25 PM.

The injured hiker identified Lilian Rehder of Lexington Massachusetts was taken from the trailhead by a family member for further treatment and evaluation of her injury. Rehder explained that as she descended from the summit she slipped on the wet trail causing her to overextend her leg which caused the injury. She was properly equipped for the short day hike and had completed the same hike on other occasions without incident. Mrs. Rehder had also purchased a Hike Safe Card.

For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, New Hampshire Fish and Game Officers suggest you visit hikesafe.com. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities such as this incident.