Yorkshire Ambulance Service promotes what3words app
The app helps emergency responders pinpoint locations quickly in critical situations
Yorkshire Ambulance Service is encouraging the public to download the free what3words app.
As winter brings shorter days and challenging weather conditions like rain, ice, sleet and fog, the risk of accidents and getting lost increases, particularly in outdoor or remote areas. Emergency services often face difficulties pinpointing callers' exact locations quickly, delaying critical response times.
The free what3words app is being highlighted as a solution to these challenges. The app has divided the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares, with each square assigned a unique combination of three words known as a what3words address. Whether you’re on an unmarked walking trail, a motorway hard shoulder or at a busy event, sharing your what3words location with 999 operators ensures emergency services can locate you with pinpoint accuracy.
Helen Smith, Team Leader at Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s Emergency Operations Centre, emphasised the importance of taking extra precautions during winter.
"As winter brings its own challenges, take extra care when you're out and about. The colder months often mean icy paths, poor visibility and rapidly changing weather conditions, all of which can increase the risk of accidents or getting lost - especially in rural or remote areas.
"If you ever find yourself in need of emergency assistance, sharing your what3words location can be vital. This enables emergency crews to pinpoint your exact location with incredible accuracy, even if you’re miles from the nearest road or landmark.
"It can save us crucial minutes and make all the difference when every second is vital for your safety and wellbeing. We urge you to download and familiarise yourself with the what3words app before heading out because you never know when it might help save your life or someone else’s."
Helen shared an example of how the app was recently used during an emergency in Yorkshire when a person needed rescuing from a river. The exact location, described by a what3words address, allowed emergency responders to coordinate quickly and accurately, providing updates as the person’s location in the river changed. The efficient use of the app contributed to a successful rescue by emergency services, including the Yorkshire Ambulance, Coastguard, and search and rescue teams.
The app works offline, making it ideal for use in areas with limited signal, and is available for download on iOS, Android, and via its online map at what3words.com. Yorkshire Ambulance Service is urging residents and visitors to install the app in advance of the winter months to ensure they’re prepared for any emergency situations.