The Use of What3words in Emergency Response

Welcome to this edition of the First Aid Show. Today, we delve into how What3words has revolutionized emergency responses by providing precise locations to emergency services.

What is What3words?

What3words is an innovative location system that divides the world into three-meter squares, each assigned a unique three-word address. This simple yet effective approach helps in pinpointing exact locations, which can be critical during emergencies.

Paramedic Insights on What3words

A paramedic shares their experience with What3words, highlighting its importance: “What3words is a crucial tool for the emergency services. Having it on your smartphone could significantly reduce the time it takes us to reach you during an emergency. It’s particularly useful in vast, ambiguous areas like beaches or large parks where conventional addresses are ineffective.”

How Usage Assists EMS

Emergency services integrate What3words into their operations to improve response times and accuracy in reaching the patient. It is especially valuable in locations without clear physical addresses or where new developments may not yet be fully mapped.

Case Study: Efficient Use

Illustrating the practical benefits, a paramedic recalls an incident: “We responded to a call from a large department store. Despite the store being a well-known location, the absence of a precise meeting point led to delays. Had What3words been used, our team could have been guided directly to the patient, saving crucial minutes.”

Best Practices in Emergencies

To make the most of What3words in emergencies, download and familiarize yourself with the app. In an emergency, use it to provide your three-word location to the responders. Additionally, if possible, meet the emergency services at a visible location or provide clear instructions on how to find the exact spot.

In conclusion, The Use of What3words is more than just innovative technology; it’s a potential lifesaver, ensuring that help arrives exactly where it’s needed, swiftly and efficiently.