A weekend search-and-rescue operation at Brandywine Falls turned into a reminder about trail safety in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

A local photographer hiking off-trail slipped and seriously injured his leg, leaving him unable to walk.

After calling 911, responders from local fire departments, police, and park rangers used GPS location technology to locate him and safely carry him out using rescue equipment.

The hiker later shared his experience online, praising first responders and encouraging others to stay on marked trails, carry a charged phone, and use location-sharing tools such as the what3words app, which helps rescuers pinpoint exact locations during emergencies.