‘Could have been a lot worse’: Deputies rescue 75-year-old from ravine thanks to safety bracelet

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A 75-year-old man considered endangered was found and rescued from the bottom of a ravine thanks to a new tracking bracelet, authorities said.

Bill McCord went missing from his home on Southwest Scenic Drive in Washington County around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday. He wandered off without his cellphone but he was equipped with a Project Lifesaver bracelet, leading law enforcement to his location.

“Everybody was looking, once we got a signal off of his bracelet and were able to hone in on the area, the canine teams working in that area. This is a situation that could have been a lot worse and it ended in the best way we could ask for,” said Washington County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Aaron Codino.

Project Lifesaver is a community public safety nonprofit organization designed as a protective, and if necessary, location tool, for people with cognitive disorders who may be prone to wandering off or engaging in other life-threatening behavior, the sheriff’s office said. Project Lifesaver is a part of the sheriff’s Elders Safe Program. The wrist bracelet can alert people wearing it to law enforcement, fire and rescue teams or caregivers with their location in emergency situations.

Deputies believe the technology was critical in saving McCord, who was only equipped with the bracelet the day before he had gone missing.

Rescue teams, with the help of drones and canines, navigated the treacherous terrain to locate McCord and bring him to safety after he had fallen at the bottom of a ravine near his home. He was trapped by thick foliage and unable to get himself out. The team pulled him out, then took him to a hospital about three hours after he was reported missing.

For more information or to sign up for Project Lifesaver at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, please contact 503-846-6048.