- The triple-zero emergency service line may be set for a massive overhaul
- Police are considering allowing people to text and even send live video to 000
- It comes as one in five people mistakenly believe they can already text 000
A massive overhaul may be coming to the triple-zero emergency service line, as people will be able to text the number for help and even send live video from the scene of accidents under proposed changes.
Police are looking for new ways to improve the emergency line in New South Wales, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Some of the options being mooted include using social media more effectively and allowing text messages and photos to be sent to notify emergency services.
People will be able to text 000 for help and even send live video from the scene of accidents under proposed changes
Police are looking for new ways to improve the emergency line in New South Wales
One in five people incorrectly believe they can text 000 in an emergency, according to a working paper issued by the National Emergency Communications Working Group.
It cited overseas examples where people have been left stranded when they tried to text an emergency line, and an example closer to home where a jogger died in Terrey Hills after it took an hour to locate him.
Police Minister Troy Grant said using new technology was ‘vital’, while a NSW Police spokesman said using data, videos and images was currently a ‘critical part’ of their work.
It cited overseas examples where people have been left stranded when they tried to text an emergency line (stock image)
One in five people incorrectly believe they can text 000 in an emergency
Other options being considered by police include the use of mapping through smartphones to spot specifically where calls were coming from.
Police consider the triple-zero emergency line to be the most time-critical part of their work.
NSW Police will began a review into the triple-zero line from the end of October.