App to make rescue easier

A prominent local law enforcement officer has recommended the West Kimberley public to download a free phone app as a precaution in case of emergency.

The Windows version of theEmergency+ app was launched last week, making the facility available to 98 per cent of the smartphone market.

Emergency+ gives users direct access to emergency services such as police, fire service and ambulance, with the smartphone’s GPS functionality enabling the Triple Zero operator to quickly gauge the person’s location.

Since its launch in December 2013,Emergency+ has been downloaded over 270,000 times, with ongoing nationwide reports of the app coming to the rescue of people in dire straits.

Broome police acting senior sergeant Steve Walker has given his backing to the app and said it could be very helpful in an emergency scenario.

“Some people when faced with emergencies, no matter where they are, can panic and do things that they normally wouldn’t do,” he said.

“The app itself narrows things down for you and offers info so we can get to you as quickly as we can.

“The majority of people have a mobile phone on them, which allows them to access it and provide the most up to date information on the scene.”

Acting Snr Sgt Walker said the app was a safeguard for users and was relevant to visitors to Broome and the West Kimberley also.

“Having it there is peace of mind for people that if they are caught in a situation that they don’t know where they are and they are in mobile service then the app can help them notify the correct services,” he said.

“In Broome, having a high rate of tourism, people are here and probably don’t know where they are at times; the app assists with that, with the location provided to the telephone operator.”

The app can be downloaded free of charge from the Windows store, Google Play store and Apple App Store, and is available in English, Chinese and Japanese.