What3Words Used to Save Hiker in Beaman Park Sunday

For Immediate Release

The Metro Nashville Department of Emergency Communications in coordination with the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) Aviation Unit, Nashville Fire Department (NFD) and Metro Parks assisted in locating and safely rescuing a missing 69-year-old man from Beaman Park yesterday through successful use of What3Words software.

The hiker had gotten lost off the Laurel Woods Trail and was suffering from heat exhaustion. The What3Words locator and clothing description was provided to MNPD Aviation after NFD and Parks personnel struggled to find the hiker due to the harsh terrain.

Using this information, MNPD Officer Alex Moore was able to see the hiker from above and successfully secure him into the aircraft, bringing him to NFD Medics where he was treated.

What3Words is a software that simplifies the process of pinpointing precise locations using a unique addressing system. Instead of relying on traditional coordinates or street addresses, What3Words divides the world into a grid of 3 meter x 3 meter squares, each identified by a unique combination of three words. This system improves accuracy, especially in areas where standard addresses may be imprecise or non-existent.

Nashville Department of Emergency Communications Assistant Director, Paul McCallister issued the following statement:

"In Nashville, we are committed to remaining current with technology such as What3Words. Using this innovative software allows first responders to quickly get someone the help they need, and that is what we are here for."