Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics are asking Victorians to make use of the what3words feature through the Emergency Plus app.
Described as a life-saving tool, what3words is a program which divides the world into three metre squares, with each square assigned a unique combination of three words.
The words can be utilised to find a precise location, which can be helpful in life-threatening emergencies when every minute counts.
Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic Matt Nadin said what3words had recently proved useful in helping locate a woman in urgent need of medical attention.
“We were having difficulty locating the patient based off their description alone,” he said.
“We felt that time was running out and we had exhausted all our traditional methods to establish their location.
“I suggested instructing the patient to use what3words, and this simple step allowed us to pinpoint their location and reach them within minutes.”
The Emergency Plus app additionally shows a patient’s latitude and longitude, with calls to Triple Zero (000), SES, and non-urgent police able to be made directly through the app too.
what3words can also be accessed through its own website and app.
Mr Nadin said all Victorians should ensure quick access to what3words on their mobile device.
“It’s an incredible tool if you’re in an emergency and don’t know exactly where you are,” he said.
“Whether that’s in a rural or remote area, along a freeway or highway, or simply in a new place, what3words takes away the guesswork which helps us reach you faster.
“You can tell a Triple Zero call taker your three words and they will know what to do to pass this location information on to all required emergency services.”
Location services via the Emergency Plus app can be pre-loaded and used without an internet connection.
For more information, visit www.emergencyplus.com.au.
