Bold opening: A teenage Boy Scout faced a life-threatening allergic reaction on Mount Washington, and quick-thinking teammates combined with trained responders saved him before the situation turned dire. And this is the part many people miss—the right mix of preparation, rapid action, and calm leadership can make all the difference in mountain emergencies.
A 15-year-old Boy Scout was rescued near Mount Washington’s summit in New Hampshire on Sunday after suffering a severe allergic reaction, according to officials.
Around 1 p.m., authorities learned that the group—Boy Scouts from Connecticut—was trekking together and providing first aid to their fellow camper, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department stated.
An employee of Mount Washington State Park who was alerted by the Scouts located the injured teen and escorted him into a warm building to begin treatment.
Rescuers then rode up the Mount Washington Auto Road to the summit, arriving a little after 3 p.m.
The boy was placed aboard a Snowcat and transported down the mountain. He reached the base about an hour later and was transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin for further care, officials reported.
Mount Washington, rising to 6,288 feet, is the highest peak in the northeastern United States, located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Officials praised the Scouts, noting that the group had been well prepared for their hike, and that the responding team acted efficiently to manage the emergency.
For further information, you can reach Hannah Goeke at hannah.goeke@globe.com.
