Evart Area firefighters say they were able to locate a lost person “deep” in a state forest on Monday, June 22, in part, thanks to an app that allows residents to connect with emergency response personnel.
The Evart Area Fire Department said in a Facebook post that the individual had run out of water, was disoriented and unable to find their way out of a the forest.
“Quick thinking by Meceola Central Dispatch,” which serves Mecosta and Osceola counties, allowed first responders to text with the person and obtain a location using What3Words technology, an app designed to identify and share exact locations based on three unrelated words.
The release said the fire department deployed two brush units, two ATVs, and a rescue unit into the area and, with the coordinates provided through the app, quickly located, and removed the individual from the forest.
“This successful outcome was made possible through the power of technology, the coordination of Meceola Central Dispatch, and the dedication of our fire/rescue teams,” the post said.
What is What3Words?
What3Words is a geocoding application that uses sets of three words instead of alphanumeric coordinates to identify locations, according to the National Library of Medicine.
The application has grown in popularity over the past few years and is used by emergency services worldwide.
How closely does the app identify a location?
The app provides every 10-square-foot (3 square meters) area around the world a unique combination of three words.
How can I get the app?
You can download it to your phone on Apple or Android devices.
Does What3Words cost money to use?
The app is free to download and use.
Do you need a cell phone signal?
To share a what3words address over the phone or in a text message, you need phone signal or a data connection. You also need a data connection to load maps, or share an address in other apps or on social media.
Do both parties need the app?
No. What3words addresses can be used even by those without the app. Send a person the address as a link so they can view it on an online map.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Evart firefighters rescue person from woods using phone app. Here’s how
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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