MAURY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) -- New technology helped Maury County first responders save a deer hunter who was stuck in a tree stand deep in the woods Sunday afternoon.

Hunter Johnson called Maury County 911 on Sunday, Oct. 19. He reported that he was deer hunting when the foot strap on his portable climbing stand broke, leaving him stuck in a tree about 15 feet in the air.

The dispatcher asked Johnson if he knew the address of his location. The 20-year-old knew he was in Yanahli Park off Loftin Road near the Duck River, but he wasn't sure of his exact location.

911 dispatcher: "Are you okay right now?"

Johnson: "Yeah, yeah, I'm okay, just a little shaky."

911 dispatcher: "Do you know the address over there?"

Johnson: "Right off of Loftin Road, kind of closer to the river."

According to Maury County Parks and Recreation, the 474-acre Yanahli Park has numerous ecosystems and connects to the 12,000-acre Yanahli Wildlife Management Area.

Maury County Fire Department Deputy Chief Richard Schatz said it's difficult for a person in trouble to give a precise location to first responders without GPS technology.

After a few minutes, Johnson's cell phone signal was identified, allowing the dispatcher to get his location. That information was then forwarded to all ground units.

A little more than a year ago, Schatz said MCFD, Maury County 911, and Columbia's information technology department integrated a new app that immediately sends a 911 caller's location and information about the call.

According to Schatz, his team uses the app on almost every call. He added that the app is invaluable when it comes to locating a victim on a waterway or in the woods where there are no addresses.

In this case, Schatz said personnel were able to see their signals as they walked toward Johnson's location. The incident commander and anyone logged in can also follow it.

Schatz told News 2 the app is not only a great tool for finding people in hard to reach places, but it can also update the victim on how close the first responders are.

Prior to the introduction of this system, Schatz said the crews on the ground might have to yell to the victim or honk their horns in a situation like the one from Sunday afternoon. The deputy chief called that method time consuming and antiquated.

"Without GPS location from the caller, it makes it very difficult for them to describe exactly where they're at," Schatz explained.

According to Schatz, the new app allows personnel to track the location of a caller's cell phone within 3 feet.

The MCFD provided pictures of crews carrying a long ladder into the thick woods, eventually to Johnson's exact tree stand. First responders helped the young man climb down from the tree and got him to safety

Over the phone, Johnson thanked the dispatchers and the first responders who answered his call for help. Following Sunday's incident, Johnson urges all hunters to check your tools and use the appropriate safety equipment.

First responders also encourage hunters to tell someone where you'll be and what time you expect to return home, as well as drop a pin and send it to a loved one in case something happens.

Johnson told News 2 that while he was on the phone with Maury County 911, a buck walked right past him. He laughed, saying he had already dropped his bow and he was shocked the deer would approach since he was talking out loud.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/hunter-rescued-from-broken-tree-stand-in-maury-county/