HORSE riders, cyclists, ramblers and others are being urged to download a potentially lifesaving phone app, in the event of an emergency.

The free app, launched by Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) earlier this year, gives users instant access to a six-figure grid reference which can pinpoint their location to within 100 metres. It acts using the phone’s network signal to make a phone call as the EHAAT App is developed to use your phone’s built in GPS tracking.

Laurie Phillipson, Clinical Manager for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, said: “Precious minutes can be wasted trying to locate casualties in remote or unfamiliar areas.

“The six-figure grid reference we can get to the scene quicker to provide life-saving clinical care before flying the patient to hospital.”

“We’re saying ‘be prepared’, just get the app on your phone and should you find yourself in an emergency in an unfamiliar place and need to dial 999, pass the call handler the grid reference when they ask for your location.”

More than 1000 iPhone and Android smart phone users have downloaded the app to their smart phones.

To download the free EHAAT App simply search for ‘Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust’ in either the Apple Store or the Android Store.

Visit EHAAT.uk.com for more details.