LEWISVILLE, Texas — Lewisville firefighters recently used location technology to help rescue a person who became stranded in a difficult-to-access area and was unable to safely return to a nearby roadway.
According to the Lewisville Fire Department, emergency crews were responding to a call involving an individual who needed assistance after becoming trapped in an area that was challenging for first responders to access.
While firefighters and paramedics were en route, dispatchers received location information through the What3words app, allowing responders to quickly identify the individual's precise location.
Using the coordinates provided, emergency crews successfully located the stranded person, conducted a technical rescue operation, and safely transported the individual for further medical evaluation and care.
The department highlighted the incident as an example of how technology can assist emergency responders when traditional location information may not be sufficient.
What3words is a free smartphone application that divides the world into 10-foot by 10-foot squares and assigns each square a unique three-word address. The system is designed to help users communicate exact locations during emergencies, particularly in remote areas, parks, trails, construction sites, or locations without clear street addresses.
Lewisville Fire Department officials are encouraging residents to download the app and become familiar with its use before an emergency occurs.
Officials noted that having accurate location information can significantly reduce response times when every second matters.
The department also credited the successful rescue to the training and preparedness of its firefighters and paramedics, whose efforts ensured a positive outcome for the individual involved.
