App turns smartphone into emergency beacon

The project was developed by four students from ECU’s School of Computer and Security Science in conjunction with the WA Police Air Wing. It utilises the GPS found in most smartphones and transmits a person’s exact location to search and rescue services, potentially making it easier to find lost bushwalkers or those at sea.

The app has a number of unique features including providing travellers with a set of 'before you go tips', from survival expert Bob Cooper ensuring they are well prepared as possible before they leave. At the push of a button GPS coordinates are sent to search and rescue services, as well as the traveller’s phone contacts list.

The app also provides travellers with a 'what to do in an emergency' survival guide; while also acting as a light source which is detected by night vision equipment in police helicopters up to four kilometres away.

The app was tested by the students twice over a 12-week period by placing them in bushland near the Jandakot Airport and then using the app to send their location to police. The students were located within minutes of the app being activated.

Final year Computer Science and Software Engineering student Laurance Da Luz says the app was developed in response to a need from police for more accurate search and rescue information.

"Almost everybody has access to a smartphone in today’s society and GPS programs on phones are relatively common," Laurence said.

"The WA Police have great resources to rescue someone once they know their location – the problem is getting that location to police. This application bridges the gap, sending an automated GPS location to rescuers, giving them the best chance at finding survivors and saving lives."

Senior Constable Ian Davidson, Technical Training Officer with the WA Police Air Wing, praised the app for its ability to aid the search and rescue operation.

"We tested the app with the ECU students to make sure it worked effectively. Using the onboard navigation system, the police were able to locate students within a matter of minutes, with the app visible at 3 to 4 kilometres from the police helicopter," Davidson said.

"The app was a great success and we are confident it will make a difference in future search and rescue operations."

The app has been nominated as a finalist in the Tertiary Student Category at the 2012 WA Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards (WAITTA) and will be released as a free android app in the near future.

As the app utilises the smartphone’s 3G connection, the app is intended to help those lost in bushland around cities, regional areas with phone reception and near-shore locations. It is not intended as a replacement for EPIRBs, marine radios or other safety equipment.