About the title
A perilous history of search and rescue in a changing landscape.
A misread map, a sudden storm, or a forgotten headlamp can quickly turn an ordinary hike into a serious emergency.
Critical Hours examines the history of search and rescue in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and the people who respond when plans go wrong. Sandy Stott considers how navigation technology, mobile phones, and the growing popularity of remote terrain can create misplaced confidence, while placing rescue work within the wider history of mountain travel.
The book combines accounts of demanding rescue operations with practical reflection on preparation, judgment, and respect for changing conditions. It is intended for outdoor readers, students of mountain culture, and anyone interested in how communities respond to risk.