February 9, 2010

GPS device saves photographer who fell off bluff in Newton County, Ark.

from Harrison Daily Times, via The Associated Press

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Story Published: Oct 20, 2009 at 3:41 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 20, 2009 at 3:41 PM CST

HARRISON, Ark. -- A photographer who fell 30 feet from the top of a waterfall was rescued because he had a device that transmitted his location to emergency responders. Ed Cooley, 49, of Rogers, was badly injured on Thursday after he fell from the top of Twin Falls in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area, in southeastern Newton County.

Even though Cooley had a GPS satellite messenger with him and contacted 911, it still took dozens of mainly volunteer rescuers 20 hours to reach him and then bring him out. Rescuers blazed a trail up a mountain to a cemetery, where a vehicle met them. Cooley was brought to a clearing where a helicopter could land and take him for treatment of numerous broken bones.

Rescuers praised Cooley for having the GPS and knowing how to use it.

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