Hiker with Medical Issues at Kaaterskill Falls (Oct 11)

[dave]

Wilderness Rescue in the Town of Hunter in Greene County

On Oct.11 at 3:45 p.m., Greene County 911 informed Forest Ranger Commerford that a hiker on the lower falls of Kaaterskill Falls was possibly experiencing a diabetic emergency and a partial loss of consciousness. At 4 p.m., Ranger Commerford and Assistant Forest Ranger (AFR) Massa reached the 34-year-old from New Jersey. The hiker was not diabetic but was suffering from low blood sugar because they hadn't eaten enough during the day. Rangers provided water and electrolytes while someone else in the hiking party provided snacks. After resting, the subject was feeling better and able to walk out. Ranger Commerford and AFR Massa assisted the subject to the Laurel House trailhead, where they were met by Hunter EMS and Greene County Paramedic. Resources were clear at 5 p.m.

Rangers suggest eating plenty of food and drinking plenty of water before and during hikes to keep nourished for the entirety of the hike, and longer in case things don't go as planned.