CAMDEN — When a call comes in from Knox Regional Communications Center, in Rockland, that a hiker is injured at Ocean Lookout on Megunticook at Camden Hills State Park, the response team swings into action: Ocean Lookout is the highest point on the 1,385-foot mountain where a collection of granite ledges offer expansive views of land and Penobscot Bay. But to reach it involves a steep climb up narrow and rocky trails. The equipment needs to be sturdy and the rescuers must be tenacious, tough and agile.

That was the case May 14, when a 68-year-old woman slipped on greasy old leaves and moss at the top of the mountain, and suffered an ankle injury. She had been hiking with her family, all from Italy, and enjoying the Camden landscape before they were to move on to Acadia National Park.

When the 911 call was made, various teams set out to the park — three engines and a utility truck from Camden Fire Department full of firefighters and EMS crew — 14 total; another three in a North East Mobile Health Services ambulance; two rangers from Camden Hills State Park; and three experienced rock climbers from Coastal Mountains Search and Rescue. They all converged at trail entrances, lifted packs on their backs, and started climbing the mile-long trail to reach the woman and her family.

It was an almost mild May day at 11 a.m., with temperatures in the upper 50s. Still, it was damp enough that an injured hiker would need extra warmth to avoid hypothermia. Sets of rescuers set off up the Tablelands trail; an advance response crew scrambled quickly up the mountain with first aid equipment while others followed with transport equipment. The Tablelands trail begins off the Mt. Battie Access Road approximately 700 feet up Mt. Battie.

At the top of Megunticook, the woman was found leaning against the cold granite rock, in pain and unable to move. Blankets were pulled from packs, along with splints and wraps, and the woman was stabilized for transport. 

Meanwhile, another crew assembled the Stokes basket — a metal carrying basket specifically for transporting injured patients — doublechecking the safety straps and laying a tarp and then a blanket inside where the woman would be placed and then wrapped into a cacoon. She was lifted into the basket, and secured for the long descent.

Because the path was so rocky and steep, engineering the descent was a constant as the rescuers navigated from one side of the trail to the other. Rocks were covered with a slick film of water, and much of the trail weaved over rocks and mud and roots, as well as wet leaves from last fall.

Coastal Mountains Search and Rescue rock climbers tied safety lines to trees and then to the basket as insurance while the initial descent was made down the steepest angles of Megunticook. At times, there were "passes" when rescuers lined up on either side of the basket and slowly moved the metal carrier hand over hand down through a squad of rescuers.

"I'm on" they said as they grasped a rail of the basket and moved it through the gauntlet of rescuers. "I'm off," they announced as the basket was sent on to another set of hands. Over and over again, they kept their balance as the woman was moved slowly down the most treacherous parts of Megunticook Trail.

They left the top of mountain, at Ocean Lookout, at 1 p.m., and it was 3:30 p.m. by the time they reached the bottom, where an ambulance was waiting to take her to Pen Bay Medical Center.

Then the crews dispersed. Back to the Camden Fire Department, to the ranger station, or to their homes.

"The patient's family was profoundly grateful," said Camden firefighter Kevin Callahan. "The team effort and collaboration was outstanding and every responder was needed. Job well done."

From the Camden Hills State Park description of Megunticook:

"'Megunticook'" is a Penobscot term referring to the swelling ocean, a feature that is reflected in forests covering this mountain’s flanks and a reward for those who reach the summit. But an ocean view isn’t the only perk of this hike; look along the trail for a pop culture icon, a gemstone, and a plant and an animal that both hold world records for speed.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657