Rhode Island E-911 announces deployment of what3words
New technology helps first responders locate people faster in an emergency
Rhode Island E-911 today released details of its deployment of what3words, an innovative location technology that will assist first responders attempting to find individuals in an emergency.
“We know that emergencies can happen anywhere and sometimes the person calling us cannot tell us exactly where they are,” said Arthur Martins, Director of E-911. “What3words gives us a precise location that saves time and gives first responders the data to make the most informed decisions.”
Every 10ft square in the world has been given a unique combination of three words comprising a what3words address, the service is available in more than 50 languages. Members of the public can download the free what3words app for iOS and Android or use the online map. The app works offline making it ideal for use in remote areas that might have a poor internet connection, including open water.
In an emergency where a location is difficult to describe, 911 callers can give their what3words address from the what3words app directly to the E-911 telecommunicator. Emergency callers who do not have the app installed will be sent a link by the Rhode Island E-911 telecommunicator to a mobile version of the site: https://us.findme.w3w.co, which they can open in a mobile browser and read the three words on their screen to the 9-1-1 telecommunicator. All the app requires to display the what3words address is a GPS signal. These three words can then be used by the Rhode Island E-911 telecommunicator to identify the precise location where assistance is needed.
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