The NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Inc (NSW VRA) is urging members of the public - locals and visitors - to download a potentially life-saving app to their mobile devices, after the Mudgee Squad recently experienced a difficult call-out.
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During the emergency the persons involved were not initially able to be located by emergency services personnel.
Mudgee Rescue Squad deputy captain, Garry Dollisson, said that although this particular scenario "worked out okay" in the end, that the outcome could have been considerably different if the incident was more severe.
"We got a call-out and [and were provided directions stating] kilometres to turn from a certain section to go up a road, through this gate, over a hill etc - we just couldn't locate the property," he said.
"We spent nearly two hours looking along with every other emergency services, but if people have this app on their phone they could be located fairly easily by any emergency service.
"If the scenario was different, the person might not be so lucky."
The importance of the 'Emergency+' app was discussed at a Local Emergency Management Committee last Thursday night, which was attended by members of the Police, Mudgee Rescue Squad, Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue NSW, and Ambulance NSW.
As a result, all members of the public are being urged to download the app to their mobile device to assist emergency services in locating them in times of need.
The Emergency+ app is a free app developed by Australia's emergency services and their Government and industry partners.
The app uses GPS functionality built into smart phones to help a Triple Zero (000) caller provide critical location details required to mobilise emergency services.
The app can be downloaded at emergencyapp.triplezero.gov.au/ and following the prompts.
