Dramatic Rescue: How a Teen Camper Was Saved After Fainting in New York Mountains

Teenager rescued after passing out while hiking in the mountains of New York.

Here's what happened on the evening of Tuesday July 29, 2025 in Essex County in the town of Keene, New York. This wilderness rescue would not have been a success without the quick actions of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers and New York State Police.

Get our free mobile app

On Tuesday July 29th, according to a DEC press release, a 14-year-old from Camp Chingachgook lost consciousness near the Elk Pass area of Nippletop Mountain. Camp counselors call Ray Brook dispatch in a attempt to help the child.

Ray Brook dispatch advised the counselors to move the teenager to the shade and aggressively cool off the individual with water. While this was happening New York State Aviation was on the way to the scene.

New York State Police Pilot Engel flew Rangers Lewis and O’Dell to a swamp near the campers. Rangers carried the 14-year-old through the swamp, which at some points was waist deep water and mud, to the helicopter.

Pilot Engel flew the patient to an ambulance staged at Marcy Field. Ranger Quinn suggested the remaining campers spend the night and hike out in the morning because they were fatigued from a full day of hiking and did not have enough headlamps. The group later safely returned to camp.

To avoid passing out from heat, drink plenty of fluids, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and take breaks in the shade as needed.