DEAD RIVER TOWNSHIP – A Hebron man is recovering from injuries sustained during a hike on the Appalachian Trail yesterday, after he was rescued by first responders.
According to Maine Warden Service Cpl. John MacDonald, wardens and first responders were called to a section of the AT just south of the Little Bigelow Lean-to at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Hiker John Jutras, 64 of Hebron, had suffered an injured knee and thumb approximately 1.5 miles west of East Flagstaff Road and was unable to continue.
Carrabassett Valley Search and Rescue member Greg Drummond assessed Jutras’ condition and it was determined that a number of people would be necessary to carry the injured hiker over the 1.5 mile trail. More than 20 first responders would eventually assist, including personnel from Carrabassett Valley Fire & Rescue, North Star Ambulance, New Portland Fire & Rescue, Maine Forest Service, Eustis Fire & Rescue, Franklin Search & Rescue and Maine game wardens.
Jutras was transported with a litter-carry to a waiting ambulance on the East Flagstaff Road. He was taken to Franklin Memorial Hospital where he was treated for a dislocated thumb and an injured knee.
Your headline doesn’t match your story. A dislocated thumb is a FAR cry from a dislocated knee. Glad he’s OK and thanks to our rescue personnel.
Thanks, we’ve made the correction
As a veteran AT hiker I must say you need to be very careful and deliberate with your steps on the trail. Too many wasted resources for these hikers that dont pay attention.
as another veteran a.t. hiker and trained wilderness first responder, i’d also like to encourage folks to be careful, but “these hikers” could just as easily be beechnut bob or anybody else who goes into the woods. thanks to all who helped; they’re resources aren’t “wasted,” this is what they’re trained for.
Great job by the first responders.
Can hunters use the woods on either side of the trail?
@myopic – Thanks. Another veteran hiker here and no matter how experienced one is, how prepared for the hike or how carefully one steps, many variables come in to play when hiking. Much appreciation for the trained responders who facilitate a rescue.
I think anyone that wants to goes into the woods and enjoy it should get off the couch an put a game together an hit the trail. This man was ready for a hike an had what he needed it was a true accident. I didnt mind taking time out of my day to help this man.