Two people were the focus of a rescue mission mid-Tuesday afternoon after they called for help while hiking in Upper Paugussett State Forest.

Hawleyville Fire, Newtown Hook & Ladder Fire, Newtown Underwater Search And Rescue and Newtown Police Department were all dispatched around 2:30 Tuesday afternoon after Newtown Emergency Communications Center received the call.

Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps was later added to the call.

The hikers and emergency dispatchers coordinated their efforts through What3Words, an app that uses grids of three square meters, each with a unique combination of three words, to find people anywhere in the world. The app allows first responders and others who use it to quickly pinpoint a location.

First responders made voice contact within 45 minutes of being dispatched.

The male hiker reportedly had a knee injury and felt dehydrated. While there was an initial concern that the male would be unable walk to a boat waiting for him, he was able to get to the boat on his own power, with first responders escorting him.

The female hiker was reportedly uninjured. She and a dog with the couple were able to walk to a second boat working the rescue effort. The woman and canine arrived at the command post around 3:20 pm.

The male hiker and first responders reached the second boat about 10 minutes later.

Both hikers were checked for any injuries after being transported to the state boat launch on Hanover Road. Both declined transport to a hospital.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.