A Forest Service volunteer who was injured while hiking in the Superstition Wilderness was quickly rescued thanks to a satellite tracking device and his own precautionary actions, officials said.

The unidentified man, who has hiked in the area for more than 10 years, was carrying a SPOT satellite tracking device while he was hiking Thursday, according to Amy Racki, a recreation/wilderness specialist and acting volunteer coordinator with the Mesa Ranger District.

When he fell and hit his head, he was able to push a button and his location was sent to local emergency personnel. He was unable to hike back, so Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies used their helicopter to airlift him back to the trailhead where his car was parked, Racki said.

“I hesitate to use the word ‘search’ in referring to this incident. Thanks to his personal SPOT satellite tracking device which identified his location … we were able to walk right up to him,” ranger Gary Hanna said.

Officials say this wasn’t the first time one of these devices might have saved a life.

“This is the third positive outcome that I have had in one of my former units over the past 12 months with four lives saved,” said Cliff Myers, a former safety manager in the Tonto National Forest.

The hiker took multiple precautions to ensure his safety while he hiked. He told his wife where he was going and when he’d be back, wore brightly colored clothing, knew the trail and stayed on it, Racki said.

The Superstition Wilderness is protected by a 1964 Congressional Act. The 180 miles of trails are designed to keep the forest pristine and quiet and to be minimally affected by humans.