Hiker, Under Medical Distress, Assisted In NH

Scott Sellers and his wife were hiking on the Champney Falls Trail in Albany Friday when he suffered an episode, and was taken to the hospital.

Nov 21, 2022

ALBANY, NH — A hiker from Massachusetts used an emergency alert beacon to notify New Hampshire Fish & Game he needed help after suffering a medical incident in Albany on Friday.

Around 1230 p.m., conservation officers were notified of the alert activation on Champney Falls Trail in Albany. At the time, Scott Sellers, 54, of Wakefield, was descending the summit with his wife when he began to experience chest pains. According to Sgt. Alex Lopashanski of Fish and Game, they were more than two and a half miles from the trailhead.

“Due to a lack of cell phone service in the area, direct communication to the group could not be established,” he said. “Along with conservation officers, members of the U.S. Forest Service and Lakes Region Search and Rescue responded.”

Sellers continued hiking, and rescuers met him a short distance from the trailhead. He arrived back at the trailhead shortly after 2 p.m. Sellers was evaluated by Conway Ambulance personnel and taken to Memorial Hospital in North Conway for treatment, Lopashanski said, who added the couple was “well prepared” for the hiking conditions.

“It is important to note that winter conditions, including snow and ice, are present in the mountains and will persist for the next several months,” he added. “Anyone venturing out should be equipped with appropriate winter gear, including micro-spikes and extra layers.”

Lopashanski said Lakes Region Search and Rescue was a volunteer search and rescue organization whose members work diligently to maintain the skills and equipment necessary to carry out rescues across the state. Anyone can donate to the org through the New Hampshire Outdoor Council at nhoutdoorcouncil.org. Donations are fully tax-deductible.