The City of Melbourne has installed emergency markers around:
- the Tan track
- Birrarung Marr
- Alexandra Gardens
- Victoria Harbour
- Waterfront City
- Yarra’s Edge
Marker sites have already proven successful with a number of 000 calls. The details on the markers have enabled emergency services to clearly identify the caller's location and the nearest access points to reach the caller.
What are emergency markers?
Emergency markers look like street signs and help the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) clearly identify the location of emergency callers.
The markers carry a six figure alphanumeric reference (three letters and three numbers) which can be quoted by Triple Zero (000) callers when stating their location.
How do emergency markers work?
The two most important pieces of information required when calling 000 are the location of the emergency (where is it?) and the nature of the emergency (what is it?).
When an emergency marker is quoted, ESTA’s 000 dispatcher can then provide specific directional information to the responding emergency services.
Emergency markers are more than just signs. They are supported by GPS co-ordinates and directional instructions enabling ESTA operators to provide directional information to police, fire, ambulance and the State Emergency Service. This includes advising them of obstructions such as locked gates, road closures and quickest access points.
The Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) manages 000 calls throughout Victoria for Victoria Police, CFA, MFB and the Metropolitan Ambulance Service.
Emergency agencies