Quebec Hiker Rescued By National Guard Helicopter After Injuring Leg

THOMPSON AND MESERVES PURCHASE, NH — Several rescuers from around the state responded to a severely injured hiker on Mount Madison Wednesday.

Susan Beaudoin, 54, from Quebec, Canada, slipped and fell from a perched rock on the Daniel Webster Scout Trail, sustaining a severe leg injury. Following the incident, Beaudoin’s husband ran up the trail to locate an area of cell phone coverage and ultimately called 911 for help, at about 12:15 p.m.

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers were notified of the incident at approximately 1:00 PM. A conservation officer eventually made cell phone contact with the reporting party and received text message pictures of the injury.

Conservation Officer Matthew Holmes said the pictures made it blatantly clear the injury could be potentially life-threatening, so a response was initiated accordingly.

Rescue personnel from the Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue Team (AVSAR), Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), New Hampshire Army National Guard, and additional New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers were all called upon to respond for emergency assistance.

Ground personnel hiked over two miles from Dolly Copp Campground in Pinkham Notch and from the AMC Madison Spring Hut, arriving at Beadoin’s location at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Responders administered additional first aid to Beaudoin, and a suitable location was identified for a helicopter hoist extraction.

Around 4 p.m., a New Hampshire Army National Guard helicopter crew arrived on the scene, having flown north from Concord. Once on scene, the crew utilized a winch line to provide ground crews with litter. Beaudoin was ultimately secured in the litter and hoisted up through the trees to the hovering helicopter. Beaudoin was then transported by air to Memorial Hospital in North Conway for further evaluation and treatment of her injuries.

Although severe, all indications at the extraction time indicated that Beaudoin would survive her ordeal.

Beaudoin and her husband were experienced hikers well-prepared for their adventure. They had checked the weather before ascending into the mountains for the day and were prepared with the knowledge of whom to call in case of an emergency.

Rescue crews were equally prepared and, upon receiving the call, responded with the right equipment, knowledge, and attitude required to save life and limb in the remote corners of the state.