A female hiker surnamed Wang got lost on her way down from Tailiao Mountain in Kaohsiung yesterday afternoon. After receiving the report, the Fire Bureau guided her to use the “Kaohsiung 119” app installed on her smartphone to send a text message, which enabled GPS positioning and led to her rescue. This marks the first time the bureau has successfully located a lost person using precise app-based positioning.

The Fire Bureau received a report from Ms. Wang yesterday afternoon stating that she was lost on the hiking trail of Tailiao Mountain. The Maolin Fire Station immediately dispatched personnel on a light rescue mission.

To confirm the caller’s location, the Fire Bureau first asked the reporting individual to send two photos of the surrounding environment via messaging apps for rescuers’ reference. They also instructed Ms. Wang to stay calm and wait for help at her current location. Meanwhile, they guided her to download the “Kaohsiung 119” app and send an emergency text message to the 119 Disaster Relief and Rescue Command Center. Based on this, staff were able to pinpoint her location, which was then provided to frontline rescuers so they could quickly reach the scene and successfully guide Ms. Wang down the mountain.

Ms. Wang said the “Kaohsiung 119” app is very user-friendly — after pressing a single button to send a text message, she stayed put in a safe area, and firefighters soon found her. “This app is really amazing.”

The Fire Bureau stated that the “Kaohsiung 119” app was launched at the end of December last year. Using this app allows GPS (Global Positioning System) data to be actively sent to the 119 call center, enabling quick identification of the caller’s location. Users can also send their GPS coordinates via text message when reporting emergencies. After reporting, on-site photos or live footage can also be uploaded. This reporting app leverages smartphone features and is considered highly responsive to public needs by providing key information that helps reduce the time spent questioning callers during emergencies.

The Fire Bureau added that if you get lost in remote mountain areas where there are no nearby towns or shops, your first call should be to 119. The “Kaohsiung 119” app will help provide your GPS location to the fire department. 1060107

(CNA)