Day/date: March 17, 1988


                              RANGER ACTIVITIES DIVISION
                                 FIELD INCIDENT REPORT

Incident type: Search and Rescue
Log number: 88-38
Date/time of incident: 3/14-15      Date/time received: 3/17, 10 am
Park: Great Smoky Mountains Location: Thomas Divide Trail
Reported by: Steve Smith, RAD, SERO
Received by: Jon Anglin, RAD, WASO

Summary:
On March 14th, a Boy Scout troop on an overnight backcountry trip encountered
5 degree temperatures and snow, for which they were unprepared. On the 15th,
J.H. began exhibiting symptoms of hypothermia and was unable to
continue. One leader and the majority of the group continued on to obtain
assistance; the second leader, who was an EMT, remained with J.H.. The
group seeking assistance became lost and spent the night of the 15th on the
trail. They finally reached a ranger station at 8:30 am on the 16th. Rangers
responded and reached J.H. and the remainder of the group about noon.
J.H. was transported to the Swain County (NC) Hospital, where he was
placed in intensive care with a body core temperature of about 92 degrees.
J.H. was reported to be in satisfactory condition on the 17th and was to
be released.

Persons involved:
Name                                 Address             DOB or age
J.H.                            Gadston, Alabama             11