'What3Words' app could save local lives

Tuesday 20 August 2019

Guernsey Police are asking local people to download a location tracking app, which is now being used by the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre to find people in an emergency.

'What3Words' has divided the world up into 57 trillion squares, each measuring three metres by three metres, and each square has its own unique set of three words.

For example, the front steps to the Police Station are in square 'spacing-number-arts'.

Pictured: Part of the Express newsroom shown on the 'What3Words' app.

It means anyone who needs help from the emergency services, but isn't sure of their location, can give a JESCC operator their unique address using the app. Those three words will then be used to find their precise location before the appropriate service is sent out.

"In an emergency, seconds count and if we can direct our response to exactly the right area in the shortest possible time, there is a greater chance of a successful outcome.

"For instance, if someone only knew they were at L'Ancresse Common, that is still a big area for our responders to search and locate people. But this app should pinpoint exactly where the emergency is and where the services need to attend - there is no ambiguity.

Pictured: The app is available to download for free.

"I want everyone who reads this to take two minutes and download the app now. It may literally save a life."

The app is free to download and has already been used successfully in the UK.

"Using this latest technology, which is freely available on devices people rarely have away from their sides inly enhances JESCC's ability to save lives," Inspector Jones added.

The app will only be used if usual methods of establishing a person's location fail.