10/17/2026
Thank you to all of members who responded last night and endured 9 hours of frigid temperatures to make this all successful! Also thank you to Newport Ambulance Service (Troy Rescue) for standing by!
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning, Montgomery Fire and First Response SAR Team (MSAR) was dispatched for mutual aid to assist Lowell Volunteer Fire Department (LFD) with a 19-year-old patient experiencing symptoms of hypothermia and intermittent loss of consciousness on the Long Trail, north of Tillotson Camp. The patient was participating in a college outdoor club backpacking trip.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., members of MSAR, LFD, and a Vermont State Police(VSP) Trooper made contact with the group. Upon arrival, rescuers found the students actively working to care for their friend. They had established a tent, were in the process of starting a fire, and had bundled the patient in a sleeping bag while huddling together to conserve warmth. The group had already taken several critical steps to protect their friend from further exposure.
MSAR conducted a patient assessment and initiated additional warming measures, including the application of a chemical warming blanket (essentially a body-sized hand warmer), replacing wet clothing, and adding several down jackets for insulation.
With the patient’s condition showing signs of improvement, and considering the challenging trail conditions, freezing temperatures, and rain/snow, rescuers made the decision to continue active warming and delay evacuation until daylight.
Given the group’s proximity to Tillotson Camp, MSAR directed the student trip leader to relocate the remaining members of the college group to the camp, where adequate shelter was available. Meanwhile, MSAR, LFD, and VSP personnel remained with the patient, continuing warming efforts and monitoring their condition throughout the night.
At approximately 6:45 a.m., three members of Stowe Mountain Rescue (SMR) began hiking up the trail to rendezvous with the rescue team and provide additional support should the evacuation require a litter carry.
Following approximately five hours of warming, rest, and nourishment, the patient’s condition had improved sufficiently to allow an assisted walkout. With support from rescuers, the patient successfully traveled 2.65 miles to a waiting ambulance, arriving at approximately 10:15 a.m.
Rescue Highlights & Takeaways
This was an extended backcountry rescue conducted under challenging conditions. Despite the freezing temperatures, precipitation, difficult terrain, and prolonged operational period, a great deal went right. Several key factors contributed to the successful outcome:
1. Preparedness and Leadership of the College Group
A huge shoutout to the college students for working together and putting their Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training into action when it mattered most. The students recognized the seriousness of the situation, initiated appropriate care, and took meaningful steps to protect their friend while awaiting rescue.
Equally important, the student trip leaders demonstrated sound judgment and leadership, making decisions that prioritized not only the patient but also the safety and well-being of the entire group.
2. Rescuer Preparedness and Operational Readiness
Responding personnel left the trailhead prepared for the possibility of spending the remainder of the night in the backcountry. They understood the environment, anticipated the challenges, and arrived equipped to operate safely and effectively for an extended period.
This level of preparedness allowed rescuers to focus on patient care rather than becoming another problem to solve.
3. Interagency Coordination and Teamwork
Four agencies—Montgomery Fire Department SAR, Lowell Fire Department, Vermont State Police, and Stowe Mountain Rescue—worked seamlessly toward a common objective: safely getting the patient off the mountain.
Communication, coordination, and a shared understanding of the mission were critical. Personnel were forthcoming about their capabilities, experience, equipment, and comfort levels operating in freezing temperatures and rain/snow for an extended period.
4. Sound Decision-Making Under Difficult Conditions
Rather than rushing into a challenging nighttime evacuation, rescuers continually evaluated the patient’s condition against the risks associated with the terrain, weather, and available resources.
With the patient’s condition improving, the decision to continue warming and reassess evacuation options at daylight provided an opportunity for a safer, more controlled exit.
Successful rescues aren’t always defined by complex rope systems, technical equipment, or dramatic evacuations. Sometimes, they’re the result of sound judgment, preparation, effective communication, and knowing when the best course of action is to slow down and reassess.
This operation demonstrated the value of wilderness medical training, capable student leadership, prepared rescuers, and strong interagency relationships.
Well Done.
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