Mountain Rescue Service: Don't put us at risk

By Tom Eastman

Conway Daily Sun

The Mountain Rescue Service (seen on Cathedral Ledge) voluntarily assists New Hampshire Fish and Game and other groups with technical mountain rescues. JOE KLEMENTOVICH

The volunteer Mountain Rescue Service has taken a strong stand against outdoor recreation that puts rescuers at risk in these pandemic times.

Jeff Fongemie, 52, of Freedom is vice president of the 44-member organization.

“Exercise is great, and it’s one thing to go out for a road bike ride and you have a crash and you get taken care of by one or two paramedics in an ambulance wearing personal protective equipment and brought to the hospital,” he said.

"It’s another thing to have someone go for a long hike of 3 miles or so on Mount Chocorua and get hurt: That kind of rescue could involve up to 15 people or more,” said Fongemie.

There is no way to perform a rescue and social distance.

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