71-Year-Old Maine Hiker Rescued After Collapsing on the Trail

A 71-year-old man was rescued this week after collapsing while hiking in the woods of Western Maine.

When Did This Happen?

Gerard Jalbert, 71, of Falmouth was hiking with a friend on Wednesday when he suddenly collapsed at approximately 12:30 in the afternoon.

Where Were They Hiking?

The pair had hiked to the top of Redington Mountain in Carrabasset Valley and were making their way back when Jalbert fell ill. The friend called 911 and emergency personnel pinpointed their location through the phone's signal.

Two teams consisting of multiple game wardens and members of the Eustis and Carrabassett Valley Fire Departments began hiking toward the two hikers. One team hiked the Appalachian Trail, up Crocker Mountain, while the other team traveled by ATV on the Caribou Pond Road to an old snowmobile trail that intersects with the Redington Trail.

Was a Helicopter Used to Get Mr. Jalbert to Safety?

Both teams reached Jalbert at around 3:15 on Wednesday afternoon. Once his condition was assessed, rescuers contacted the Maine Forest Service, who quickly arrived by helicopter. Mr. Jalbert was hoisted out of the woods and transferred to a waiting LifeFlight helicopter, which took him to Maine Medical Center in Portland. At the last report, Jalbert was in stable condition.

According to 4000footers.com, Mount Redington is 4,010 feet, and the trail to the summit is considered 'Difficult.'

We'll update this story as more details become available.