Hiker Rescued From Bald Mountain Fire Tower In Herkimer County

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officials responded to the report of an unconscious hiker in Herkimer County. What caused this individual to pass out? First responders suspected drug and/or alcohol use.

Just before 4pm on Saturday April 18th, Herkimer County officials requested Forest Ranger assistance in the town of Webb, New York with a hiker who fainted at the top of the Bald Mountain fire tower. Here's what unfolded.

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Forest Ranger Lieutenant Bills, and Rangers Lee, Piersma, and Waligory responded and set out to see what was happening with this unconscious hiker. Witnesses reported seeing the 36-year-old from Gouverneur drinking with another hiker.

When Rangers arrived, the other hiker dumped out a bag in an apparent effort to hide something. With the possibility of drug use, Rangers administered Narcan to the unconscious hiker. The patient remained unconscious.

dec.ny.gov

Rangers worked with the Eagle Bay and Old Forge Fire Departments and the town of Webb Police on multiple rope systems along the trail to get the hiker to an Old Forge Ambulance. The following day, the subject was awake and in stable condition.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS, that's 833-697-7264. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911.

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