Vermont Rescue Squad's Secret Hypothermia Treatment: Maple Syrup
Courtesy of Stowe Mountain Rescue
It’s that time of year when the weather change catches hikers out. Suddenly the consequences of going out unprepared can be quickly life-threatening, as two hikers discovered today. They got soaked in a rainstorm on the Hellbrook trail and one of them slid into hypothermia that was severe enough to stop her moving, leaving her friend standing shivering helplessly by, probably headed in the same direction.
We hiked up to them carrying the wonderful Merino Wool top-to-bottom baselayer kits that are donated to Search and Rescue teams by Minus33. These kits helped to save two lives today. We were able to strip off wet clothing and dress both subjects in high quality dry gear. We plied them with Maple Syrup and electrolytes to provide essential calories to fuel the inner furnace. We slid a layer under our primary subject to protect her from the cold ground and even did the old heat pads in the armpits thing (good option for re-warming as long as the heatpads are not next to the skin). Eventually, bundled in many layers of clothing, our subject recovered to the point where she could stand, but was too unsteady to manage the walk down.
A litter carry on Hellbrook trail, in wet weather towards nightfall is nothing to sneeze at. It’s steep, rocky and slick and requires an attentive rope belay throughout. We were grateful to have members of Cambridge Fire Department, Vermont with us who were strong and adept on the litter. We reached the road before dark to hand our subjects off to a pre-warmed Cambridge Vermont Rescue Squad.
So, a reminder: temperatures are dropping, Days are getting shorter. Hypothermia is a real thing. Carry plenty of clothing – not cotton – and a waterproof layer, top and bottom. Headlamps – not one but two! Cell phone battery bank. High calorie snacks and plenty of water. Know the terrain you’re getting into and dial 911 if you need us.
Sending warm wishes to our subjects from today (pun intended)!