Holliston man rescued after medical incident during New Hampshire hike

HOLLISTON — A retired local pastor was rescued last week by New Hampshire first responders after suffering a medical emergency while on a hike.

Jerome Janisko, 82, was able to walk out of Monadnock State Park last Thursday in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, with assistance from paramedics and conservation officers, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department.

Janisko, who retired in 2011 after 43 years as pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Holliston, was on a hike with his wife at about 1:45 p.m. Thursday when he passed out, fell and hit his head, according to the release.

Other hikers stopped to help. They were able to provide GPS coordinates to rescue workers, helping to lead them to where Janisko and his wife, according to the release.

Conservation officers, paramedics and rangers from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources found Janisko less than a quarter-mile from Old Toll Road. It took them until about 4 p.m. to get Janisko to an ambulance, where he was taken to Cheshire Medical Center in Keene.

His condition was not available on Monday.

"Paramedics were able to improve Janisko's condition to the point he was able to walk out, with assistance, to the waiting Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial ambulance," according to the release. "This incident is a good reminder to all people recreating in the outdoors to dress appropriately, hike with a partner or group, and carry the necessary equipment. Having appropriate gear aides in safety."

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow Norman Miller on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Holliston man rescued after medical incident in New Hampshire