Caught in an emergency? This app could be your lifeline

A young man using his phone.

As outdoor activities take precedence over the summer months, local officials are asking residents to download an app that could potentially save a life.

‘What3words’ is a mobile application that makes it easier for emergency responders to pinpoint exactly where help is needed - even when a person is struggling to describe their exact whereabouts.

The software is divided into three-metre squares that assign each square to a unique combination of three words. So in an emergency, for instance, this three-word address can be given to dispatchers to quickly figure out the caller’s exact location.

“‘Where’s the emergency?’ is one of the first questions you’re asked when you call 9-1-1,” says Innisfil Fire Chief Brent Thomas. “But when someone is lost in the woods, stuck out on the water, or in distress at an unmarked rural location, that question can be tough to answer. What3words gives us a precise way to locate someone when every second counts.”

The app also works offline making it easier for people to use in an area where there is no mobile data or Wi-Fi.

How it works

Users simply open the app to see the three-word address of their current 3x3metre location. That address can then be read aloud to the emergency call handler. Then a dispatch member can pinpoint exactly where to send help.

If there’s no signal to place an emergency call, users are encouraged to write down or save the three-word address, then move to another location to try calling again.

Heads up. ‘What3words’ is not a tracking app. It doesn’t monitor your location or movement. It only allows users to share where you are.

“As always, if you’re heading outdoors, remember to plan ahead. Bring a fully charged phone, plenty of water, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and a backup option to call for help if needed,” shared Innisfil Fire officials.

The free app can be downloaded on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and is also available online here.