As rescuers at Castle Trail in New Hampshire were faced with having to carry an injured hiker down a difficult trail on a stretcher, officials called in for special backup.
Instead of deploying a 40-person rescue team, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department called the Army National Guard to see if their helicopter could be used.
The 59-year-old trail runner had seriously injured his leg around 10:45 a.m. Wednesday.
“The upper part of Castle Trail is a very difficult trail to hike, let alone carry someone out on a stretcher,” the department said in a statement.
Plus, the day before, more than 24 rescuers were required for a rescue.
The Army National Guard agreed to assist despite tricky cloud cover.
A small group of rescuers, comprised of Conservation Officers and volunteers from Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue (AVSAR), began the 4.2-mile hike up. Once the helicopter arrived, they were able to rescue the 59-year-old around 1:30 p.m.
He was taken to the hospital.
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