An 88-year-old Arizona man and his dog survived a night stranded in a muddy area on a remote back road thanks to an emergency SOS message sent from his phone, as reported by AZFamily/Gray News.
Here's what to know
The incident unfolded on back routes between Carefree and Bloody Basin, where an 88-year-old driver became stranded in remote Yavapai County and prompted an urgent response from Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Forest Patrol deputies, according to KTIV.
His vehicle became stuck in mud miles from the dirt road in an area without cell service, officials said, after monsoon storms left the terrain nearly impassable.
Despite that, the driver managed to use his phone's emergency SOS texting feature, which relayed his location to rescuers and prompted a response involving forest patrol deputies, a search-and-rescue team, 4x4 units, and the Jeep Posse.
When crews finally reached him, sheriff's officials said, "Both he and his dog were healthy, unharmed, and incredibly relieved to be rescued."
More background
Officials said the man had medications, food, and water with him, and these preparations fortunately helped him make it through the night safely until help arrived. He declined medical attention after he was found.
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What can be done?
Carrying water, food, necessary medications, and a charged phone can buy valuable time if weather or road conditions suddenly worsen.
It also helps to understand a phone's emergency tools before they're needed. Features such as SOS texting or satellite-based emergency messaging can be especially important in places with weak or nonexistent service.
Authorities said the driver stayed with his vehicle instead of trying to walk out, a decision that likely made the rescue easier and safer. Letting someone know your route ahead of time can add another layer of protection.
Sheriff's officials offered a clear lesson from the incident: "While the driver's decision to travel on remote, unpaved backcountry roads was ill-advised given the recent monsoon storms, YCSO commends him for doing two crucial things right once the emergency occurred: he stayed put with his vehicle, and he knew how to use his emergency SOS text feature."
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