Location technology boosts emergency response this festive season

The Advanced Mobile Location (AML) technology automatically sends location information to Triple Zero when people call from a mobile phone.

AML works by combining GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile network information and other sensor input. Once this information is calculated, a SMS with the caller’s location is automatically sent to Triple Zero while the call is underway.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said every second counted in a life-threatening emergency.

“Advanced Mobile Location technology has the potential to save lives, especially when callers are unsure of their precise location,” Commissioner Klemm said.

“The AML technology can identify the caller’s location within a five-metre radius outdoors and 25-metre radius indoors.”

“With people visiting family and friends over the festive season, the new technology will be useful in emergencies where people are unsure of their exact location.

“This life-saving technology will reduce the time spent verifying the caller’s location, allowing crews to be dispatched faster.

“However it’s essential callers also verbally state their location to Triple Zero call takers when phoning for assistance.”

St John WA Technical Services Executive Director Ashley Morris said 78 per cent of Triple Zero calls in Australia are from mobile phones.

“If the phone’s location services are switched off, they will be automatically activated, then deactivated, following the call.

“Visit the Triple Zero website to ensure AML works on your mobile phone so we can get to you faster in an emergency.”

While AML works automatically on Android phones, iPhone users must update their operating systems to iOS 14.3 for the technology to work.

AML is a collaboration between the Federal Government, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), the WA Police Force, St John WA, Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Google and Apple.

More information:

Visit triplezero.gov.au (How to call 000 tab)

View the video here

Media Contact:

DFES Media 9395 9543

WA Police Force Media 9222 1011

St John Ambulance Media 9334 1237