Technology and Rescuers' Will Help Find Crash Victims

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GPS Cell Phone Technology Used
Posted: 9:51 PM Jan 9, 2009
Last Updated: 10:23 PM Jan 9, 2009
Reporter: Jaime McCutcheon
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

42 comments

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Imagine flipping your car, being trapped and not knowing where you are to get help to you. Now, imagine being that 911 operator on the other end, desperate to get rescuers to you.

That's the scene that played out for 40 minutes early Friday morning in the metro area. The victims, 19-year old Patrick Schlehuber and 22-year old Ryan Schlehuber of Fort Calhoun.

Ryan Schlehuber called 911. Those tapes were released to Channel 6 News.

911 Operator: "911, what emergency are you reporting?"

It started just like any other 911 call. But it quickly turned into something much more.

Ryan Schlehuber: "I'm stuck in my car and crashed, I cannot move my legs."
911 Operator: "Where are you at?"
Ryan Schlehuber: "I do not know where I am sir."

Ryan Schlehuber didn't know he was just east of Lake Cunningham at 84th and Rainwood Road. He also didn't remember his 19-year old brother, Patrick, was in the car with him.

Ryan Schlehuber: "It's so cold, really cold out here. My legs are cold."
911 Operator: "Stay calm all right. It's going to help you to stay calm. I'm right here, we're gonna get you help ok?"
Ryan Schlehuber: "Ok."

But that help had to find the victims first. Rescuers used GPS technology in the victim's cell phone to help pinpoint the crash site. But the phone's carrier did not have many towers, so the going was slow.

The 911 operator described part of the search method to others in the call center.

911 Operator: "We're trying to do a retransmit. He's alone in the car, he's not quite sure where he's at, we're trying to pin it down a little closer. He is pinned in the vehicle, he cannot move his legs."

But for the victim, help can't come fast enough.

911 Operator: "Just stay calm, that's the best thing that's going to help you."
Ryan Schlehuber: "But my legs are going numb."
911 Operator: "I understand and I know it's scary, but just stay calm. We're going to find you."

And then, the words come true.

911 Operator: "The helicopter thinks they see you."
Ryan Schlehuber: "Ok."
911 Operator: "The chopper sounds very, very close."

911 Operator: "They've got him."
Ryan Schlehuber: "Hello!"
Rescuer on the scene: "I got you."

With rescuers now on the scene, it was time for Ryan's friend of the last 40 minutes to let him go.

911 Operator: "Ok they found you."
Ryan Schlehuber: "Ok."
911 Operator: "Ok? I'm going to go ahead and let you go."
Ryan Schlehuber: "Ok thank you ma'am."
911 Operator: "You're welcome."
Ryan Schlehuber: God bless.
911 Operator: "You too, bye bye."

Crews had to use the jaws of life to free the victims. Police say alcohol and speed were factors in this crash. The driver, Patrick Schlehuber, was cited for driving under the influence, minor in possession of alcohol and reckless driving.

The brothers were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Updates on their conditions are not being released.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Ryan Schlehuber on Jan 15, 2009 at 05:04 PM
You know you i can read your comments. Thanks for those that care. For those. Interesting as normal.

Posted by: tj on Jan 12, 2009 at 03:53 PM
Until there can be a fair, intelligent discussion between the readers here, I'm absolutely done with these blogs. The one thing I'm sure of...is that many of you WILL BE EATING CROW someday!! A bunch of judgemental know-it-alls, yet, pathetic and ingnorant, all wrapped into one person, unbelievable! Good luck to the boys, I'm sure a hard lesson learned and fabulous job by the rescue crews!!!!

Posted by: LLR on Jan 12, 2009 at 02:19 PM
No Katie, I used the word "Unless" when I think I meant "Especially". Either way, it's a very dark and secluded and uninhabited area for the most part. I agree with others when they say they could have NOT been found, and froze to death. I'm not comfortable driving up there at night and I KNOW the area.

Posted by: K.K on Jan 11, 2009 at 09:32 PM
Pray,earnestly seek The Lord for all involved. Believe he grieves with us all. He has his hand in this situation and all Situations...My prayer is for Complete Healing.

Posted by: michael on Jan 10, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Why didnt they use there horn, or the radio up loud or keep ringing his phone????

Posted by: To TA on Jan 10, 2009 at 10:49 PM
NO, I have never gotten behind the wheel after drinking. A little common sense is all that it takes. And a little self control and maturity. I would never risk my life nor the life of anyone else on the road. It just isn't worth it. I hope to God you get a clue and stop doing it. And if for some stupid reason you DON'T stop drinking and driving, I just hope it is only you and your car on a lonely road where no one else can get hurt. OH, and I will pray for your family while they spend the rest of their lives wondering why you couldn't have picked up a phone and called for a ride. No Excuse for drinking and driving in my book.

Posted by: TA on Jan 10, 2009 at 10:11 PM
So what I am getting out of all the comments on this board is that because these 2 were drinking and speeding, they didnt deserve to be found and their lives saved. Geez you people are harsh. It must be nice to never ever make a mistake. I bet 90% of the people commenting have gotten behind the wheel after they have been drinking, they have just never gotten caught doing it. I guess there is no room for being human and making bad choices in this world. Thank goodness all of us here are all perfect.

Posted by: friend on Jan 10, 2009 at 08:55 PM
The boys are doing well. One had a broken leg the other had internal bleeding. But they went into surgury and doing well.

Posted by: Imagine... on Jan 10, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Imagine, getting in your car sober. Imagine your family and friends, having the peace of mind that you aren't out there tearing around drunk. Now imagine the thousands of dollars of taxpayer money that can be spent on something other than trying to find a rescue a driver that will more than likely be drunk behind the wheel in a few months. I just hope he doesn't hurt anyone I know. He will need more than a helicopter and fancy 911 GPS system if he ever hurts my family while he's out drinking and driving.

Posted by: Katie on Jan 10, 2009 at 10:51 AM
To 'LLR'...you said "Unless they live in the area, they had no business driving drunk AND recklessly at high speeds." Please tell me you are not suggesting that if they do live in the area they SHOULD attempt this. No one EVER should drive drunk or drive at dangerously high speeds. Thank God the boys are alive and will hopefully learn something from this.

Posted by: Vinny on Jan 10, 2009 at 10:48 AM
One things for sure, nothing good goes on in that area around 2 AM.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:58 AM
I am really sorry they had this accident, the 911 and EMS people are fantastic, and do an amazing job in adverse conditions but here again is yet ANOTHER reason to say -- DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.

Posted by: John on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Maybe if they hadn't been drinking they would have known where they were. No sympothy here!

Posted by: TA on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:35 AM
It amazes me that you all just have to find the negative points to every situation. I think that you are missing the big picture here. This article was about the fact that technology is here and it is helping save lives even more now than ever. Sure response times might not quite be up to par yet, but they will get there. These rescuers are human and can only work as fast as they can. But of course some of you have to be negative about it. If it had taken them 10 minutes to find these 2, you would have said it should have only taken 5. If it had been you that needed rescued would you be thankful that you were alive or would you think that they should have been there faster. These people are volunteers and you are lucky that they are even out there to help when tragedies strike. Maybe the negative ones should volunteer once and then get back on here to share their opinions.

Posted by: Observation on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:01 AM
To Crash Bandicoot...You can call 911 while you are pinned in your vehicle, not have any idea where you are in all of Douglas County (a fairly large place), and through technology and the determination of 911 dispatchers, police officers, and firefighters, life saving help WILL find you. I'd have to say that's pretty impressive. I think these folks deserve an apology for your attempt to smear them. Don't you think so?

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 9, 2009 at 11:45 PM
How many people have to get hurt or die before people will learn that drinking and driving don't mix?

Posted by: Ron on Jan 9, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Oh for God sakes they were drunk.

Posted by: Ron Vogel on Jan 9, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Both of these boys are my best friends thankfully they are ok everyone say your prayers for them they both are good people

Posted by: don't drink and drive on Jan 9, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Here's how it should read: 911- "what is your emergency?" the Drunk- "me and my bro was a drinking beer, we crashed somewhere, we don't know where we are...I want my mommy." 911 ...click....

Posted by: kyle schlehuber on Jan 9, 2009 at 07:29 PM
they are doing good im there brother i just want to say to who ever it was that responded thank you i dont get why you dis like and put down the responders they did there job my brother ryan called them he dident know where he was he just moved back to omaha we live out by where they crashed they were going home they are dumb to drink they are luck they dident take any lifes in this.

Posted by: Omaha on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:35 PM
Lets see Alcohol was a factor. Maybe that had something to do with the drunk driver not knowing where they were. Thank GOD they did not kill an innocent family. Lets not blame OPD or OFD for the long response time. This solely the drivers fault. Rainwood Road and Lake Cunningham is one of the most secluded areas in the city. Lucky they were found at all they could have froze to death.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 9, 2009 at 06:19 PM
what all happened to patrick? ribs? skull? If anybodys ones please answer back! thank u

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 9, 2009 at 04:12 PM
Irvington volunteer did not respond to that area. It was all OFD and OPD.

Posted by: Fireman on Jan 9, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Sorry, M, but it was indeed the Omaha Fire Department that handled this incident.

Posted by: Andrew Wiggin on Jan 9, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Does any one know the status of Ryan is he in as bad shape as his brother or...?

Posted by: dave on Jan 9, 2009 at 03:30 PM
these guys didn't know where they were, where they were going or where they were coming from. This isn't response time it was search time. They may have laid in that car passed out for 2 hours before they called, maybe you should blame that on the cops too!!!

Posted by: T.C on Jan 9, 2009 at 02:12 PM
I think "Crash Banidcott" needs to re read the story. 911 was on the phone with the party for "more that a half an hour" and it took about 40 min to find them during that time. Once again It's sad when some people try to sound like they know what they are talking about but really don't have a clue. The real response times are there. I work at 911 and everyone that was involved in this call, from the people working at 911 that were keeping this young man on the phone talking and providing updates to the fire and police that were searching, should be commended. Everyone did a fantastic job to save their lives. And I know that without everyones effort they most likely not have survived the night.

Posted by: M on Jan 9, 2009 at 01:43 PM
It was most likely Irvington Volunteer responding to that area.

Posted by: RM on Jan 9, 2009 at 01:43 PM
Send them the rescue bill. It was an alcohol related accident they should pay the taxpayers back.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 9, 2009 at 12:50 PM
This was my bestfriend in this crash, and I am so thankful that they both are alive. Bless Them

Posted by: to crash bandicoot on Jan 9, 2009 at 12:35 PM
It says "over half an hour"...which is close to 40 minutes, wouldn't you say? These kids are lucky to be alive...and big brother should start being a little more mature and a better role model for lil bro.. Just my two cents.

Posted by: connie on Jan 9, 2009 at 12:21 PM
to Crash Bandicoot: Dont blame response time on the rescuers, they are lucky they were able to make the cell call seeing as how they were DRUNK. Again, when will people learn. At least it was a one car crash and an innocent bystander was not hurt!

Posted by: Mike on Jan 9, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Crash Bandicoot--Read the story again... "Douglas County dispatchers spent more than half an hour on the phone with one of the crash victims" People are so quick to be negative. Great job to the police and rescue. That area has little lighteng, few houses, lots of trees. GPS is a good thing.

Posted by: Me on Jan 9, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Crash, Go back and read the article again. One of the dispatchers had a victim on the phone for over half an hour. That's pretty close to 40 minutes the last time I checked a watch. Both victims should be thanking their lucky stars that we have trained dedicated staff coupled with technology so that they could be found. Due to the location of this accident it may have even been an all-volunteer fire crew searching. Anytime you want to be jarred from a sound sleep, racing from the comfort of your home into the cold, wind, rain, heat etc. to help someone sign up for volunteer duty at the firestation nearest you. Kudos to the rescue crews for another job well done.

Posted by: To Crash on Jan 9, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Why do you have to assume that they are lying about the response time? Think about it. Do you think that officers are just sitting in able-1 ready to go. It takes time to get to the helicopter and get it going. Cruisers weren't just sitting in the area when the incident happened. There is drive time, you know. If you have never worked in this field then don't criticize because you end up looking like the fool. If you have something negative to say then complain about the "giant toddlers" who decided to drink and drive. They are lucky they didn't kill themselves or someone else!

Posted by: deb on Jan 9, 2009 at 11:54 AM
to Crash Bandicoot ... read the story. They were on the phone for more than 1/2 hour. And thy did find them. Stop looking for the negative! Good job to the 911 and the rescuers.

Posted by: honkytonk on Jan 9, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Hey Crash Bandicoot, I think the article said half an hour. Maybe try reading alittle more thorough before negatively commenting on authorities.

Posted by: LLR on Jan 9, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Unless they live in the area, they had no business driving drunk AND recklessly at high speeds. That area is pretty dark, with lots of hills and blind driveways. They're lucky they didn't injure or kill another driver (except at 3 am, that's fortunately pretty unlikely).

Posted by: jim on Jan 9, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Hey crash, they didn't want to be discovered because of their blood alcohol content (bac) was higher. Every hour for the average person, your liver oxidizes 1 12 oz beer or an alcoholic drink. Bartenders need to add a shot of common sense in these drinks. Make the proud parents pay for the helicopter search and OT by police officers when alcohol is involved. Exactly bob, no one gets it, until it kills you!

Posted by: Crash Bandicoot on Jan 9, 2009 at 10:42 AM
If it only took 40 minutes to find them why was he on the phone with dispatchers for over 1 hour?!?! Hmmm, I wonder what was the real response time?

Posted by: Jen on Jan 9, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I hope these young men recover, and when they do, that they realize just how blessed they are to be alive in spite of making a terrible choice. Kudos to OFD, E911 staff, OPD and to state authorities who made our enhanced 911/cell phone location technology a reality.

Posted by: bob on Jan 9, 2009 at 10:37 AM
No one seems to get it! alcohol again responsible for yet another crash in the metro. Don't Drink and Drive! Be thankful you are alive! wake up Omaha!