What started as a long-planned 50-mile hike on the legendary Colorado Trail quickly took a turn for the alarming when 62-year-old solo hiker and disabled veteran from Arvada, Colorado had to use the SPOT SOS signal. Susan Hutchinson had made it 20 miles into Segments 15 and 16 when she began experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness at elevations climbing from 5,300 to 11,000 feet. To make matters worse, her water filter failed mid-hike, leaving her no choice but to drink untreated river water to avoid dehydration.
By the time she reached her intended campsite, Susan’s condition had deteriorated. Dizzy and weak, she made the call no hiker ever wants to make: she hit the SOS button on her SPOT Gen3 satellite device around 6 p.m. Within two hours, a five-person rescue team was on the scene. They broke down her campsite, carried her gear, and helped her hike out a mile to an ATV, which then transported her several more miles to reach emergency vehicles waiting at the trailhead.
Though the team offered to take her to the emergency room, Susan declined, knowing from her military medical training that what she needed most was fluids and rest. After recovery over the next two days, she made it home safely, already determined to return and complete what she started.
“I want to finish the full Colorado Trail before I’m 70,” she says. “I hike between 300-400 miles a year, sometimes more. I’m a little slower now, but I still get out there.”
A retired LPN with nearly 12 years of service in the Army and a Desert Storm veteran, she uses her SPOT Gen3 not just for herself, but in case she comes across others in need. She finds it a comforting tool to have on hand while also enjoying the opportunity to disconnect from the demands of the real world. The pre-loaded message feature allows her to reach out in case of emergencies without feeling pressure to constantly check in.
This was Susan’s second time using the SOS feature – her first was an accidental press that still resulted in a quick check-in from emergency personnel. She was encouraged to source a satellite-enabled handheld device from various hiking groups on social media, where the SPOT brand frequently came up.
As a solo hiker, Susan realized it was wise to have something on hand that allows her to be unplugged, but safe. The SPOT Gen3 was affordable, reliable, and has certainly proven its value to Susan, who will continue to hit the trails with adventure in her heart and safety in her pack.