On Monday, Aug. 16, my daughter, Emily, and I hiked Mt. Major and on the descent, I encountered some health problems. The events of that day and the last two weeks are surreal and I cannot thank the crews enough who were there for me and offered help and provided care.
First off, to Kim and Eric, the gracious hikers from Connecticut who were vacationing in the Granite State for the week, and who did not blink an eye to offer me water and a calm, friendly demeanor. They stayed with my daughter and I after I had begun to feel lightheaded and had to lay down on a flat area of the trail. Kim took her own sweatshirt off to offer me a pillow after my daughter had dialed 911 and once we realized I needed immediate medical attention as rest and hydration were not easing my symptoms of lightheadedness and tightness in my chest. These two hikers stayed with us – Eric walked down the entire mountain to wait for help to arrive, and then he walked all the way back up the mountain with them leading them right to where I was. My daughter and Kim waited with me.
Alton Fire, Alton Police, NH Fish and Game, Gilford Fire and Lakes Region Search and Rescue all responded to help me get off of the mountain and into the hands of Dartmouth Medical Center’s helicopter to be taken to Concord Hospital.
I would also like to thank the man hiking with his dog who helped carry me for a portion of the way down the mountain. There must have been 10 or so people helping and offering precise assistance, from when they first found me laying against a rock, to starting an IV drip, and giving me aspirin, and then being assisted onto the board to start the downward climb. I closed my eyes for most of the journey down. Once we reached the flatter portion I was transported into an ATV with my daughter in the front seat. This was a crazy, rocky ride but the driver had excellent ability to maneuver around the large rocks in the path and to limit the number of bumps we hit. When we made our way to the parking lot we were greeted by a plethora of emergency vehicles and personnel as well as of course the helicopter. Police officers, firefighters and all of the aforementioned crews.
Fifteen minutes later I arrived at Concord Hospital where I stayed for nine days. I had a heart attack on Mt. Major and a six-bypass surgery that followed. I would like to especially thank the Cardiac Department, as well as all of the ICU and PICU nurses who offered outstanding care. You were the greatest; not only saving my life but also providing my family with comfort during this challenging time and we cannot thank you all enough.
Ken Burwen
Concord