Hiker with Dislocated Shoulder Hikes Hours Before Getting Help on Mount Washington
A hiker managed to keep walking for hours after dislocating his shoulder on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. He eventually reached the summit, where conservation officers were waiting to help.
Kurt Siuzdak, 61, of Connecticut, started hiking the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail around 4 a.m. on Sept. 15. According to New Hampshire Fish and Game, he slipped on wet granite slabs near Lakes of the Clouds around 10 a.m.
The fall dislocated his shoulder and injured his back, but Siuzdak kept hiking toward the summit. Another hiker spotted him on the Crawford Path around 3:15 p.m. and called 911.
Siuzdak told conservation officers over the phone that he planned to reach the summit and figure out what to do from there. Officers told him to continue with that plan while they headed out to meet him.
Officers Met Him Near the Summit
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Two conservation officers reached the summit around 5 p.m. and then hiked about one-third of a mile down Crawford Path to meet Siuzdak.
The officers walked on either side of him as he slowly continued up the trail. He reached the summit under his own power around 5:30 p.m.
He Was Able to Put His Shoulder Back Into Place
Once Siuzdak reached the top, an officer drove him down the Mount Washington Auto Road. Gorham EMS checked him at the bottom.
Fish and Game says Siuzdak had been able to relocate his shoulder. After being checked by EMS, he asked to return to his vehicle so he could drive himself to an urgent care facility. He was then given a ride back to his vehicle near the Cog Railway.
His Extra Gear Came in Handy
Before starting the hike, Siuzdak had looked at recommendations on the New Hampshire Fish and Game website. He decided to bring extra gear, including warm clothing and a first aid kit.
Fish and Game said those items proved important after his fall. Siuzdak told officers he was thankful he had packed them.
