Lane County Search and Rescue: Man attaches cell phone to drone to call for help
Over the weekend, Lane County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team saved a man who was stuck in the Willamette National Forest.
According to LCSO, it was an all too familiar situation, as the man's vehicle was stuck in deep snow, and he was without cell service. However, the man had something on hand that many in his position don't—a drone.
LCSO SAR said the man wrote out a text outlining where he was, and what his situation was, before attaching the cell phone to the drone, and flying it to a higher elevation.
Upon reaching this higher elevation, his phone connected to a cell tower, sending the message through, allowing LCSO to be made aware of his situation.
A SAR team was deployed, finding him, along with another person who was also stranded near by.
In light of this, LCSO wants to stress some winter travel safety tips:
- Forest Roads are not maintained for winter travel. Any attempt to travel on unmaintained snow or ice covered roads (no matter how much or little) should only be made with a group of well-equipped vehicles. If one vehicle becomes stuck, the other vehicles can attempt to free the stuck vehicle or can turn around and be used to drive everyone back to safety.
- Ensure that a close contact is aware of your travel plans (i.e. where you are are, when you expect to be back)
- LCSO adds that there were dozens of SAR missions this winter that involved a vehicle getting stuck in the snow. Nearly all of the vehicles that were stuck were 4x4 vehicles, with drivers thinking that the road would get better, or that they wouldn't get stuck.
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