The Triple Zero Custodian is testing whether people could text Triple Zero when a voice call is not possible or practical. Accenture Australia is running the trial in a simulated environment, so the public cannot access the service and the live system is unaffected. The testing runs alongside an interim review of Triple Zero regulations, which sets out eight key themes for possible reform. Minister for Communications Anika Wells said about 85 per cent of Triple Zero calls are now made from mobile devices. The final review report is due next year.
A man in his 60s died on Tasmania's west coast while waiting for an ambulance that took nearly 80 minutes to reach him. He called Triple Zero from the Zeehan area on Saturday, reporting chest pains and breathing problems. The Zeehan ambulance was unstaffed because of an unfilled roster gap, and nearby crews were attending other calls, so an ambulance from Burnie was sent. It arrived about 78 minutes after the call, but the man had already died. The Department of Health offered its condolences and said a comprehensive investigation will be held.
Two bystanders, including ABC reporter Will Murray, rescued a driver from his sinking four-wheel-drive in floodwater at Morayfield, north of Brisbane. The car stalled on Buchanan Road and began to sink. Murray and Daniel Hainey swam out and pulled the man free just before the vehicle went under. About 170 millimetres of rain has fallen in the area since the morning. The Queensland Fire Department advises residents not to swim in floodwater.
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The family of a 51-year-old man who died at his Annerley home while waiting two hours for an ambulance says they learnt of the delays through the media. His brother Daniel said the family wants to know whether something could have been done. Health Minister Tim Nicholls said he was told of the death on Monday and apologised to the family. Opposition leader Steven Miles blamed ramping in Queensland hospitals. A review of the incident has been ordered.
Residents raised concerns about dropped phone calls, poor reception and emergency access at a telecommunications forum in Medowie last week. Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson hosted the event, with representatives from Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom and NBN taking questions. One Sunrise resident said she often could not reach her husband, who is in assisted care at Shoal Bay. Optus representative Glenn Hamilton said he would investigate reception problems raised by residents of The Cove but could not promise a new tower straight away.
An investigation has been launched after a man in his late 40s died shortly after his family drove him to the Royal Hobart Hospital because no ambulances were available. The family called Triple Zero twice, and the second call upgraded the case to Priority 1. The Department of Health said the man died after arriving at the hospital. The Health and Community Services Union said three ambulances were ramped at the hospital at the time. The Premier described the incident as very serious and tragic. Opposition parties and the Greens criticised government health funding.
