Injured Hiker Rescued from Trail Along Hudson River

An injured hiker was rescued from a trail along the Hudson River in New Jersey with the help of Piermont volunteer firefighters.

Palisades Interstate Parkway Police say Paul Whalen, 47, of Hawthorne, NJ, suffered and ankle injury while walking  on a trail north of the Alpine (NJ) Boat Basin. Because of the remote location, police called for assistance from the Piermont Fire Department to reach the hiker by boat at about 11:55 p.m. on Thursday.  

PIP Sgt. Roman Galloza descended on foot from the State Line Lookout to the victim as firefighters and medics went by boat to the site.  Galloza provided aid and immobilized the victim while awaiting the arrival of the fire department.

At first, firefighters had trouble finding the spot where the hiker was located, but after a few minutes they were able to make contact. The hiker was taken by boat to the Alpine Boat Basin, where an ambulance was waiting to take the hiker to a local hospital for treatment.