Emergency+ app's 'what3words' feature to save lives, assist Triple Zero calls

The Emergency+ app will now allow users in dangerous or life-threatening situations to pinpoint their location down to a three metre radius no matter where they are, thanks to three words.

The 'what3words' feature divides the world into three metre squares and gives each one a unique three-word identifier. Unlike street addresses, what3words addresses work offline, so can be used in remote areas with poor data connection.

Fire and Rescue NSW Regional Zone Commander Stewart Alexander said the technology would make all the difference in locations like the Riverina where bushland can be dense.

"In instances like with the bushfires, or even bushwalkers and for the numerous tourists that come through and aren't familiar with the area, this will be such a big help," he said.

"This feature means that it doesn't matter where you are, our Triple Zero dispatchers and emergency services can find where you are much quicker, which means you will be sent help much quicker."

Commander Alexander added that emergency situations often mean high stress and a loss of clear thought.

"A lot of the time, when somebody rings Triple Zero, it's for a life threatening emergency and they are under a lot of stress," he said.

"So, it can be very difficult to concentrate and convey your thoughts, particularly when it's a family member or loved one involved."

The Emergency+ features simplify the information needed to be conveyed in such situations through the what3words option, or an alternative to 'drop a pin' and fix their location on the app's map.

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With a majority of Triple Zero calls made from mobile phones, Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter urged everyone to download or update the app.

"Emergencies can happen in places that are difficult for a caller to describe - on an unmarked stretch of beach, bush track, unfamiliar road or outside a crowded sports stadium," he said.

"The quicker an accurate location is established, the sooner emergency services can be dispatched to render assistance."

Commissioner Baxter said the feature can "literally save lives".

"When callers need to report an emergency in hard-to-find locations, the [app] gives them the option to [share] their location, either in the form of their closest street address, their GPS coordinates or their what3words address," he said.

The Emergency+ app is free for iOS and Android devices through the Google Play and Apple stores.