Pinning down the exact location of an emergency site can be tricky sometimes. Depending on your location and the services need to get help (DMO, RFDS, 000, etc.) you will have different response capabilities. Fixed wing aircraft obviously need a landing strip. Helicopters can land at the injury site but may not have the range to get to you. Also, you will need to have a 30 x 30 metre VERY clear area for them to land in as they throw so much downward wind that the most minor item on the ground will be whipped up or thrown around at speed (which presents a danger to the aircraft, the crew and surrounding bystanders).

Notwithstanding all the above, there is a new way to communicate your exact position. If you have downloaded the Emergency+ app (and if you haven’t stop now and download it immediately), then with or without phone range you will have an exact location on your mobile phone.

Some of you will already have this app ….. so what’s new you ask?

The What3Words location update. In short, this new way to communicate an exact position uses a unique, 3 word combination to identify your location.

As you can see in the above screenshot, there is a basic map, an address then the Latitude and Longitude and then the What3Words location. For where I was standing when I took this screenshot the location would be simply stated as “My What3Words location is ‘socket, climbing, featuring'”

000 are using this feature. If you are calling DMO or RFDS check to see if the are using it and if so, just say the 3 words that appear at the bottom of the screen. If not, it will still attempt the address and give you Latitude and Longitude.

If the accident/illness occurred some distance away from the Homestead, make sure to take a screenshot of the location before moving away anywhere (eg. if the nearest UHF is 200 metres away in the ute then grab the screenshot prior to heading back to the ute.)

I hope you find this tip useful.

As ever, if you have any questions or comments please don’t hesitate to contact us on info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au or call 0491 057 339