Need 911? Yep, there’s an app for that

You are driving down a desolate patch of highway and see two cars crash. You pull over to call 911 but when asked for a location, you find yourself lacking that simple information.

Since traditional 911 calls ping cell towers for location, it would be easier for an Uber driver to find you than emergency response vehicles.

But emergency services are slowly moving into the modern age, with Keller at the wheel.

Keller is the first city nationwide to pilot new technology that has the potential to save thousands of lives yearly.

The city is test driving a mobile app, SirenGPS. It will give a more accurate, real-time location to dispatchers and emergency responders. It will work regardless of cell service.

Users will also have the ability to build a profile, one with medical information and emergency contacts. A big benefit will be for people with serious conditions like diabetes or a latex allergy. The app will cut down on possible life-threatening on-site confusion, much like medical IDs.

Keller residents should be ecstatic to have this lifesaving tool available. We want to see it become available for all North Texas cities soon.

This story was originally published December 15, 2016 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Need 911? Yep, there’s an app for that."