WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) – With high temperatures, several people often make their way to Red River Gorge for hiking, camping, and more.
With more people in the area comes more emergencies for the Wolfe County Search and Rescue team.
“Those emergencies can range anything from injuries in the backcountry to lost hikers, but unfortunately we end up dealing with some heat-related illness,” said Public Information Officer Drew Stevens.
As technology continues to evolve, Stevens said they are using a new tool to help track someone who might be lost.
A new program, named SARTopo, sends a text or a link to someone’s phone.
“Once they open that link, we’re able to track them live and in real time, as they move through the woods. It’s especially useful if we’re sending a team to them, so we know their up-to-date location,” Stevens added.
He said the new technology allows them to ensure the safety of all parties during dangerous situations.
“There’s always an inherent amount of risks any time we send our personnel out to the field. So, if we can avoid sending the whole team, or we can avoid sending anyone at all, that’s a great opportunity,” he explained.
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