On Tuesday, March 4 at about 11:30 am, Hamilton County received a 911 call about an unconscious snowmobiler on Indian Lake. Environmental Conservation Police Officer Newell arrive first at the scene, followed by Forest Ranger Milano and an Indian Lake Paramedic.
The 55-year-old from Hillsdale had hit an ice heave while snowmobiling and traveled approximately 150 feet in the air on the vehicle before being ejected and traveling another nearly 150 feet after bouncing off the ice a couple of times.
The subject suffered a traumatic brain injury and injured his left arm. First responders and bystanders wrapped the snowmobiler in a hypo wrap and transported him in a snow ambulance. Indian Lake Fire and EMS carried the subject to a Life Net helicopter, which flew him to the hospital.
The recent thaw-freeze cycles have and continue to created ice ridges (ice heaves or pressure ridges) on lakes and ponds. Snowmobiles should use extreme caution when crossing waterways.
Major snowmobile accidents are regular occurrences in the Adirondacks during snowmobile season. Use caution by keeping speeds down, especially in conditions that limit visibility such as glare, blowing snow, or darkness.
Photo of Indian Lake snowmobile accident provided by DEC.
Read about past Forest Ranger missions here.
Source link
