A 77-year-old Salisbury man had to be flown off the Garfield Ridge Trail in Franconia after he fell into a tree and was seriously injured Tuesday afternoon.

New Hampshire Fish & Game said Raymond Pike, 77, of Salisbury was hiking with his niece about a quarter mile from the summit of Mount Garfield when they called for help. A Conservation Office determined Pike's injuries and distant proximity to the trail head were serious enough to contact the New Hampshire Army Air National Guard for assistance moving Pike.

A medical helicopter was called in and flew Pike to Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, while the Conservation Officer hiked with his niece in the darkness to the trailhead.

Fish & Game said that Pike and his niece were well prepared for the elements to stay warm and dry until help arrived. Other hikers can also be prepared by packing these ten essential items:

Map
Compass
Warm clothing
Extra food and water
Headlamp
Fire starter
First aid kit
Whistle
Rain/wind jackets & pants
A knife

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH

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