On Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m., Ulster County Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance for a hiker with a leg injury on Phoenicia-Mt. Tobias Wild Forest. GPS coordinates placed the hiker on a steep section of the long path just south of Warner Creek. Rangers Franceschina, Jeffery, and Rusher responded with Woodstock Fire and EMS. At 2:30 p.m., Ranger Rusher reached the 57-year-old hiker from Stony Point and stabilized the injured leg with a splint. Due to the cold weather and lack of movement, the patient was also shivering. Ranger Rusher provided layers of clothing and worked with the rest of the hiking party to start a fire. Woodstock EMS provided additional care including pain relief. Rangers used a wheeled litter to extricate the patient across Warner Creek. Rescuers made it out to a Shandaken Ambulance at 6 p.m.
Hiking the Warner Creek Trail
One of many switchbacks on the Warner Creek Trail that goes down a steep trail to Warner Creek
Warner Creek - Very difficult to cross