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Smartwatch 911 Leads to Nighttime Rescue on Mississippi River Bluff Near University of Minnesota

Fire crews located the injured man in steep brush using infrared tools plus a rescue boat for evacuation.

Overview

  • The man called 911 from his smartwatch after falling near the East Bank and said he was stuck in brush without knowing his exact location.
  • Minneapolis Fire Department crews were dispatched to East River Flats Park off East River Parkway at 8:24 p.m. Saturday.
  • Responders used sirens, spotlights and infrared imaging to locate him, then rappelled about 20 feet down the bluff to reach his position.
  • Crews chose a water extraction, moving him by fire rescue boat to paramedics waiting by the university’s boat house.
  • He was transported to Hennepin Healthcare in stable condition, and officials reported no injuries among rescuers.