ACT Policing is calling on the Canberra community to download and update the Emergency+ app on their phones to help first responders find them in the case of an emergency.
ACT Policing Operations Detective Acting Superintendent Stephen Ladd said location accuracy was critical information in order for emergency services to arrive at an incident in a timely manner.
“In an emergency, seconds count,” Detective A/Superintendent Stephen Ladd said, “and with this app someone can confirm their exact location quickly and accurately, using just three words.
“This app is particularly useful for responding to jobs where a building may have a hard to find entry, the caller is in an unfamiliar place with no identifiable landmarks or in an area without easy to read street addresses,” he said.
“The caller can provide the emergency operator the three words displayed on the phone, helping first responders to arrive at the job quicker.”
Detective A/Superintendent Stephen Ladd said the What3words feature was part of an update to the Emergency+ app.
He said the app could be used Australia-wide and displayed the user’s GPS coordinates and street address, which enabled them to give the emergency operator their exact location.
Commissioner of the ACT Emergency Services Agency, Georgeina Whelan said the app was a valuable tool that would assist the residents of the ACT in all types of emergencies.
“From lost bush walkers to those impacted by floods or fires, especially for those who like to explore our region, the Emergency+ app will help to assist all first responders to get help to you as faster,” Commissioner Whelan said.
The Emergency+ app can be downloaded from the Apple app store and Google Play.
