Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:02 pm
#1715490
PaulB wrote:Still doesn’t seem as easy or foolproof as the phone sending location data to the emergency services directly. (If only all the emergency services used the system!)
If supported by the phone, network, and the emergency service. This message goes to the BT operator, then that is passed onwards by them depending on the emergency service being contacted and what their platform supports. That means Police, Fire, Ambulance, and Coast Guard need to support the same data interface into their command and control system (which, naturally is very different between forces).
People calling an emergency number are often in distress, and under pressure, but they can follow simple instruction quite well. A number of Air Ambulances can now send a caller a text, with a link that lets them view the camera on phone remotely. So they can actually see what is happening to best work out if they should deploy or update a crew en-route.
Likewise a caller being asked to provide a precise location can easily follow an instruction to get a W3W precise position report.
For Emergency Services W3W is just another tool to have in the box to ensure they can actually respond to the right place. It isn't mandated, but it is exceedingly handy and simple for the user and the emergency service to implement. Where emergency call centres merge, the loss of local knowledge can be a real problem when receiving a caller in distress.
What really matters what is the most effective way between the call hander and the caller to get an accurate and precise position, by whatever means is available to them.
Designer and maker of https://charge4.harkwood.co.uk, smart universal USB power/chargers without the RF interference for EASA GA/LAA