Life-Saving technology and teamwork help rescue injured hunter in remote Iowa County woods

On the evening of October 20, 2025, at approximately 7:16 p.m., the Iowa County Communications Center received a 911 call from a 22-year-old hunter who had suffered a serious injury with uncontrolled bleeding while in a remote wooded area near Mill Road in Ridgeway Township.

Thanks to the swift, professional response from Iowa County dispatchers and the use of innovative emergency location technology, first responders were able to quickly locate and reach the injured individual despite the lack of clear landmarks and the challenging terrain.

One key factor in the successful rescue was the use of what3words, a life-saving tool now integrated into Iowa County’s 911 system. This technology divides the world into 10-foot squares, each identified by a unique combination of three words. When a 911 call is received, the system automatically retrieves the caller’s precise what3words location, enabling dispatchers to guide responders to the exact spot — even when traditional GPS or physical markers fall short.

“This technology, combined with the calm, skilled coaching from our dispatchers, allowed first responders to reach the hunter rapidly,” said Sheriff Michael Peterson. “When seconds count, this kind of precision can be the difference between life and death.”

Responding agencies included: Ridgeway Fire, Ridgeway First Response, Barneveld EMS, Barneveld Fire, Iowa County Sheriff’s Deputies, Fitch-Rona EMS, who provided a paramedic intercept when MedFlight was grounded due to weather.

While Iowa County’s 911 center automatically generates what3words locations during emergency calls, the Sheriff’s Office encourages all residents — especially hunters, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts — to download the What3Words app. Having the app on your phone can provide an added layer of safety in situations where automatic data sharing may not work.

“This program has already helped us save lives here in Iowa County,” Sheriff Peterson added. “Last night’s incident is a powerful reminder of how technology and teamwork come together to protect our community.”

The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to investing in tools and training that enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities for all who live in or visit our area.