Three simple words are helping lifesavers to find patients – including a rock climber on Portland.

A mobile mapping system divides the world into 57 trillion squares, each measuring 3m by 3m (10ft by 10ft) and having a unique three-word address.

South Western Ambulance (SWASFT) adopted the global address system, the what3words app, in its control room earlier this year to locate patients faster and more precisely.

Hundreds of 999 callers are using the free app to pinpoint their exact location, so crews can be sent to the right place.

One of these calls involved an injured woman who had been rock climbing on Portland and needed urgent assistance.

Despite phone signal problems, the caller was able to provide a three-word address. With help from the coastguard, ambulance crews reached and treated her at the scene. She was conveyed to hospital by air ambulance for further care.

David Fletcher, Head of SWASFT Clinical Hubs, said: “What3words is helping us to find patients more easily and quickly than ever before.

“Our callers are using it on a daily basis to tell our control room staff exactly where they are, so our frontline crews can pinpoint the location of patients in need of emergency care.

“We cover 10,000 square miles, including many rural and remote areas, and we can spend vital time trying to find patients. This system means we can narrow down that search within seconds to a three-square metre area. By having a three-word address we are saving time, resources and lives.”

The what3words map shows callers their exact location with a corresponding three-word address, which they give to the call handler so help can be dispatched to the precise location. It is being used in addition to the existing computer system.

SWASFT is encouraging people to download the app, so they can use it in an emergency.

The app uses GPS signal to identify the user’s current location and provide their three-word address. It means that once the user has the app on their phone, they don’t even need a data signal to obtain their location.

The app has been vital in locating patients who have needed emergency help in fields, on moorland, in wooded areas, by the coast and in urban areas.

Chris Sheldrick, CEO and Founder of what3words, said: “It's been incredible to see many emergency services like SWASFT using what3words to find people more easily, saving them vital time in critical situations. You never know where exactly you'll be in that moment when you need to call 999, so we encourage everyone to download the free what3words app today to make sure they are ready to find and share their three word address when they might need it most.”