Injured Hiker Rescued From Lower Paugussett (Tuesday, July 1, 2025)

Sandy Hook VFR and Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps were dispatched at 11:25 to Lower Paugussett State Forest for an injured hiker. First responders were told a 56-year-old female had fallen and may have broken a bone. She was conscious and alert but the injured area was beginning to swell. 

The hiker was approximately 1.25 miles into the forest along its Blue Zoar Trail. Boat access was being suggested as well. SHVFR Rescue 444 and Engine 442 responded with a crew. 

SHVFR First Assistant Chief Andy Ryan was in command, and requested NUSAR and Hook & Ladder be added to the assignment. Both responded with boats. 

NVAC staged at Eichler’s Cove. 

Firefighters began walking the Blue Trail into the forest. CT DEEP was also notified of the incident. 

Contact with the patient was made around 12:07. She was transported via NUSAR’s boat to Eichler’s Cove. A medic was requested for pain management. 

The patient was loaded into an ambulance and checked by the medic, who was able to downgrade her status to BLS. 

Patient was transported and all units cleared from the area by 13:04.