St Helena Emergency Services has implemented the what3words location technology to improve emergency response times. This system will assist in accurately identifying the location of 999 callers, allowing resources to be dispatched directly to the scene.
Traditionally, when calling 999, callers are asked for the address of the emergency. However, determining an exact location on St Helena can be challenging, particularly outside Jamestown. The island lacks a postcode system similar to that used in other countries, and relying on landmarks or general area names can lead to ambiguity. Many locations are remote, such as parts of coastal paths or isolated bays, making it difficult to describe locations accurately and potentially delaying assistance.
what3words addresses this issue by dividing the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares and assigning each square a unique three-word address. For instance, ///rooms.nettles.windowsill pinpoints a specific spot on Sandy Bay Beach. This provides an easy way for callers to communicate their precise location.
The app is available in over 60 languages and can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android devices or accessed via an online map at what3words.com. It functions offline, which is beneficial in areas with unreliable data connections.
Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager at St Helena Emergency Services stated: “The location of an emergency is vital when responding to those who need us most. Time is critical in medical emergencies such as a cardiac arrest, where every second counts.” He added that as local knowledge among responders becomes less reliable due to workforce changes, accurate location information becomes increasingly important.
He urged community members to download the app: “‘what3words’ provides a simple and precise way to share your exact location, helping us find you sooner.”
Chris Sheldrick, Co-Founder and CEO of what3words said: “St Helena is home to some of the world’s most unique and remote landscapes... By providing a simple way to communicate precise locations, what3words will help enhance the safety of local residents and visitors exploring the island’s stunning scenery.”
Further information about what3words will be available at the Careers Fair on March 20th at St Helena's Ambulance Services Stand.
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