The rescue probably involved a lot of people. Maybe some hikers found the child first and then informed the proper authorities. Or it could be that the search dogs led the rescuers to the child.
One main theme could be survival. When lost in the woods, the characters likely have to find ways to stay alive, like finding food and shelter. Another might be self - discovery. Being alone in such a situation can make a person learn a lot about themselves.
There might be a young child who wanders off into the woods and gets lost. The child could be a main character. Or perhaps an old man who has some special skills for survival in the woods but still gets lost. In some cases, there could be a forest ranger who gets lost while on duty in the woods and he or she is the main character.
One popular fanfiction with this premise might be 'The Lost and the Found' where Fenrir stumbles upon Hermione in the woods and there's a complex relationship that unfolds. It delves into themes of trust and survival.
Search and rescue teams should be called in. They often use trained dogs that can pick up the child's scent. Helicopters can also be used to scan a large area of the woods quickly. Volunteers can spread out and call the child's name to see if there is a response.
The 3 - year - old might be very frightened. They could start crying for their parents. Maybe they would try to hide under bushes thinking it's a safe place.
In a 'girl lost in woods story', she could have been separated from her group during a camping trip. She would have to rely on her survival skills, if she has any. She may try to find food like berries or nuts. At the same time, she has to be careful of dangerous animals. She might start a fire using sticks and dry leaves to keep warm and signal for help. As she wanders, she might discover a hidden path or a landmark that gives her hope of finding her way out.