SANDY RIVER PLANTATION — Members of the Rangeley Fire Rescue Department and NorthStar EMS service hiked up the Appalachian Trail on Tuesday night to rescue an injured hiker who fell on rocks at the lean-to at Piazza Rock.

It was about 1.8 miles from Route 4 near Saddleback Mountain heading toward Eustis.

The report was the hiker injured his ankle, Fire Chief Tim Pellerin said. A shoulder injury was also reported when the 7 p.m. call came in.

Eight firefighters and two NorthStar personnel responded, Lt. Gordon “Tiger” Sikes said, with three firefighters setting up command and the others hiking up.

A NorthStar paramedic treated the hiker and he was given some crutches and the crew assisted to keep him steady and help him traverse rocks and walk out, Sikes said. He was taken to a waiting ambulance which brought him to Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington, he said.

Franklin County dispatchers gave detailed information that helped rescuers reach the hiker, Sikes said.

It took 34 minutes to reach the hiker and about 50 minutes to walk him out.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net