W3W Blog

Is What3Words a Good Offroad Companion?

Question: I’ve heard a few friends recommend What3Words as a great tool for location pinpointing. What are your opinions on it, and can it replace other geo-locating tools like a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger?

Survival Med’s Answer: What3Words is a unique navigation app that divides the entire globe into 3-meter squares, assigning each square a distinctive combination of three words. This system simplifies location sharing and finding, making it a great resource for various outdoor and survival purposes.

Many users find its three-word addressing system to be a game-changer, offering a straightforward and precise way to communicate exact locations.

However, like any tool, it’s essential to understand its nuances and limitations.

  1. Familiarize Yourself Before Your Trip: Before embarking on your offroad journey, take the time to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the What3Words app. You don’t want to be figuring out how to use it for the first time 10 miles from cell coverage or hanging off a rock face
  2. Consider Cell Coverage: Some functions are limited in areas without cell coverage. In What3Words compass mode, you can still view the location of any entered address, but you won’t be able to load maps or send the address without a cell signal.
  3. Supplement with Emergency Devices: Despite its effectiveness, What3Words doesn’t replace the need for essential safety equipment in remote areas. If you’re in a remote area or in challenging terrain, we recommend a backup option like a personal locator beacon (PLB), satellite messenger, or a satellite phone.

Overall, the What3Words app stands out as a reliable companion for offroad enthusiasts, offering an innovative approach to location sharing. By understanding its features and combining it with other safety measures, you can navigate the offroad with confidence.

Happy exploring!

Fluids Blog

What Does It Mean to Tolerate Fluids?

Daniel – The Heimlich Maneuver

Daniel: Wife Chokes During Dinner

Shick Blog

Does Neurogenic Shock Impact Blood Pressure or Blood Volume?

George – Cutting the Nerve

George: Table Saw Disaster

Anika - Plot Twist

Anika: Rock Climbing Catastrophe

Assess Blog

When Should I Perform the Primary Assessment, Secondary Assessment, & Secondary Survey?

Jim – Vision Loss

Jim: Worksite Eye Emergency

Kenneth – Hypothermia

Kenneth: Cold Crisis in California Mountains

Thomas – Car Accident

Thomas: Telephone Pole Collision

Bacteria Blog

What Bacterial Infections Are Likeliest in the Canadian Northwoods?

EVAC blog

How Do I Determine the Urgency and Means of Evacuation for Abdominal Issues?

Electro Blog

What Should I Include as “Electrolytes” in a First Aid Kit?

Shawn – Hunting Trip

Shawn: Lost in the Fog

Barry Betha – Heat Emergencies

Barry Betha: Overheated Biker Collapses

Lid Blog

What’s the Best Way to Stop Bleeding from Lid Lacerations?

CPR Blog

Why Does the MARCH Protocol Prioritize Respiration Before Circulation?

Mary – Carnival Birth

Mary: Unexpected Carnival Delivery

Blister Blog

What’s a Dual-Layer Pad for Blister Prevention and What Product Should I to My First Aid Kit?

Rene – Lost

Rene: Nightmare Storm

MARCH Blog

What Do I Do During a MARCH Assessment?