02/09/2025
📍✨ Did you know… there’s a tool called What3Words that can help 000 (Triple Zero) operators pinpoint your exact location in an emergency?
🌏 What is What3Words?
The world has been divided into 3m x 3m squares, and each square has been given a unique combination of three words. This means anywhere on Earth - from a city street corner to the middle of the bush - has its own 3-word “address.”
đź“ž How is it used in emergencies?
If you call 000 (Triple Zero) and you’re unsure of your location (or there’s no street address available), the operator may ask you to share your location using What3Words - but only if you already have the app (or the Emergency+ app, which includes it). By reading out the three words on your screen, they can quickly plot your location on a map.
đźšš Example of How It Works:
If you have a car accident on a remote country road with no landmarks, you can open the Emergency+ app and see your What3Words location, e.g. ///river.table.chair.
You give those three words to the 000 (Triple Zero) operator when you call for help. They enter them into their computer dispatch system and instantly see your exact 3m x 3m location on a map - even if you don’t know the road name or nearest town.
👉 Important: What3Words is for 000 (Triple Zero) operators to confirm where you are - it’s not what fire trucks, police cars, or ambulances use to navigate. Crews are still sent to a street address, property number, or map reference.
📱 How can you get it?
The Emergency+ app (free on iOS & Android) is the recommended option in Australia. It automatically shows your GPS coordinates and includes What3Words if you need to share your location with 000 (Triple Zero). You can also download the What3Words app itself if you’d like to use it for non-emergency purposes (e.g. meeting friends, outdoor adventures).
⚠️ But remember - in towns, cities, and rural properties, a clear, visible property number at the entrance is still the fastest way for emergency services to find you.
