Massachusetts State Police locate missing hypothermic male in woods

A search in Massachusetts resulted in finding a missing man where time was of the essence.

According to Massachusetts State Police, during the morning hours of the day shift, members of the Ware Police Department requested assistance in the search for a missing 54-year-old man who was last seen leaving his residence the prior morning. Luckily, members of the State Police Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) were together for a full-team medical training at the State Police Academy. As soon as the request for assistance came in, the Team responded.  

After gathering citizen reports of sightings, and viewing camera footage in the area, search teams narrowed their focus. Eventually, a SERT member located fresh footprints in the snow entering a wooded area towards the Quabbin Reservoir. State Police K-9 joined SERT members in a thorough search, following footprints and other clues for more than 90 minutes.  

Shortly after 4:00 p.m., State Police located the missing man lying on the ground conscious, but hypothermic. Police rendered first aid and prepared the man for transport on a handheld stretcher. A joint team of SERT members, Hardwick Police, and Ware Fire carried the man to safety.  

Officials from the Department of Conservation and Recreation met the team with a truck to transport the man out of the woods where a West Brookfield Ambulance was standing by.