Injured Hiker Rescued In Rumney Using Help From A Leaf Blower

RUMNEY, NH - New Hampshire Fish and Game officials were notified of a rock climber who sustained minor injuries while climbing on the Rumney Climbing Rocks around 4 p.m. on Monday.

Conservation officer Jonathan Demler said that a 22-year-old man, Dalton Brisbois, of Ashburnham, Mass., was climbing a route on a cliff when a serious, but non-life-threatening injury took place. The climbing party was using proper safety systems, allowing Dalton to be lowered to the trail without further injury, Demler said Monday.

First responders from the Rumney, Wentworth, Warren, Plymouth and Campton-Thornton fire departments as well as conservation officers with the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department arrived at the scene and provided aid to the injured climber. Other rock climbers nearby also assisted in the rescue effort. Dalton was able to walk under his own power but could not safely navigate the steep and rocky trails that connect the many rock climbing routes.

Demler said a thick covering of dry leaves and acorns posed a serious slip hazard. A battery-operated leaf blower proved to be a key piece of rescue equipment as the leaf blower was used to make a safe path down the rocks through the leaves allowing for the entire rescue effort to have stable footing. Dalton reached the parking area safely at approximately 5:20 p.m. without further incident.

New Hampshire Fish & Game Department Conservation Officers would like to remind anyone enjoying the outdoors this fall to plan ahead and make safe decisions. Activities done outside must contend with the shorter daylight hours and dropping temperatures. All hikers should carry essential equipment to be ready not just for the intended hike, but other issues that could arise.

Please visit http://www.hikesafe.com/ for more information.