This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
SWASFT using smartphone app to save lives
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is using the what3words app to find patients - and even save lives - by pinpointing callers’ exact locations.
The ambulance service adopted the mobile mapping system, which divides the world into 57 trillion squares, each measuring 3m by 3m (10ft by 10ft) and having a unique three-word address, in its Control Room earlier this year to locate patients faster and more precisely.
The app uses GPS signal to identify the user’s current location and provide their three-word address. It means that once the user has the app on their phone, they don’t even need a data signal to obtain their location. SWASFT is encouraging people to download the app, so they can use it in an emergency.
David Fletcher, head of SWASFT Clinical Hubs, said: “What3words is helping us to find patients more easily and quickly than ever before. Our callers are using it on a daily basis to tell our Control Room staff exactly where they are, so our frontline crews can pinpoint the location of patients in need of emergency care.
“We cover 10,000 square miles, including many rural and remote areas, and we can spend vital time trying to find patients. This system means we can narrow down that search within seconds to a three-square metre area. By having a three-word address we are saving time, resources and lives.”
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