Although I would never rely on some digital gadget to save my life, it looks like two tourists were just saved by an MP3 player. I know it seems like a little far-fetched, especially considering the fact that the actual saving was done by the Rega mountain rescue team, but the truth is that, if it weren't for the MP3 player, the two tourists (a skier and a snowboarder) might have never been found on time.

After announcing the authorities that they where lost by using a mobile phone, the respective device soon ran out of battery and they were left out with no means of communication. But the rescuers were able to spot a dim flashing light from the helicopter, and figured out it had to be some kind of signal. The dim light was coming from one the two people's MP3 player and it allowed the rescue team to locate the stranded adventurers.

Although temperatures were as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius, the two men only experienced mild hypothermia, being rescued shortly after midnight.

This case proves a very interesting idea: although gadgets can save our lives in some situations, we shouldn't rely on them too often. On one hand, the mobile device allowed the tourists to call the rescue team and ask for help, but on the other, it did run out of battery. It's not like the phone knew that the MP3 player had enough battery and could signal for help. In the end, the MP3 player (a device not really meant for such situations) managed to signal for help when there was no other option instead. What does this prove?

It proves that human mind and ingenuity come first. No matter how many gadgets you have with you, or how smart they are, human ingenuity always comes first. For the sake of the argument, it doesn't matter if you have a device that can help you fly, as long as you don't know how to use it.


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