Brave Rescuers Save Stranded Hiker in Daring Snowy Mission

Quick Smiles:

• Rescue crews braved the elements to save a stranded hiker in New Hampshire.
• The hiker, suffering from hypothermia, was lifted to safety after a challenging mission.
• Social media praised the rescue team’s bravery and skill.

In an extraordinary display of teamwork, rescue crews embarked on a mission Thursday to save a hiker stuck in the deep snow of New Hampshire’s rugged terrain.

Patrick Bittman, a 28-year-old from Portland, Maine, had set off with the intention of catching a sunrise from Mount Lafayette. His adventure took a turn when he encountered heavy snow near Little Haystack on Franconia Ridge, forcing him to retreat.

As Bittman navigated away from the summit, he ended up in the Dry Brooke drainage, spending a frigid night with temperatures dipping to around 20 degrees and fierce wind chills.

By Thursday morning, Bittman realized the severity of his situation as he began experiencing symptoms of hypothermia, prompting him to call 911 for assistance.

Hypothermia is a critical condition that occurs when core body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. When body temperature drops, the heart, nervous system, and other organs can’t function properly. Left untreated, hypothermia can cause the heart and respiratory system to fail and eventually can lead to death.

Responding to the call were the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, and the Army National Guard.

Rescuers, equipped with snowshoes, reached Bittman around 1:00 p.m., providing him with much-needed shelter, dry clothing, and warm fluids.

At 3 p.m., the clouds lifted enough for the medevac crew to attempt a hoist from a hover of 70 feet. They had waited four hours and were about to depart for Concord.

The mission was captured on video, showing the helicopter skillfully hovering above before lifting Bittman to safety.

Bittman was then transported to a local hospital for medical care.

The successful rescue drew admiration online, with one user exclaiming, “Oh you all rocked that one!! Strong work, NHNG!!” Another added, “Amazing team! Wow. God bless these brave humans!”

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