MINOR inconveniences may feel as though they warrant a call to emergency services, but in most situations it’s a no-go zone.
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With that in mind, MIA residents are being urged to participate in research about emergency services.
Phone surveys for the Australian Communications and Media Association are currently gathering information about what people know about emergency calling.
Residents across the MIA are being called and it’s an important one to not hang up.
Questions being asked include:
- Can you call emergency services from a pay phone without using money?
- Can you call emergency services without phone service or reception?
- What numbers do you call for certain emergencies?
- What would you call Triple Zero for?
Griffith Local Area Command Inspector Wayne McLachlan said in many situations it was quite common for people to call Triple Zero in an event that didn’t require emergency services.
“We encourage people to only call Triple Zero if it is a life threatening situation,” Inspector McLachlan said.
Ben Hawkins from Galaxy Research said the survey was important as it helped to understand how people responded to emergency situations.
The results will also be used to tackle areas where people lack knowledge.
"This information will go towards a new campaign to improve access to emergency services, and to see what is necessary for people to know that they may not be aware of,” Mr Hawkins said.
Mr Hawkins said of all the calls he made as part of the survey, about 30 per cent of recipients were happy to take the survey.
“I would encourage anyone who has the time to take this survey,” he said.
“Because, at the end of the day, the results may end up helping you or someone in times of emergency or crisis situations.”
For more information visit http://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/public-safety-and-law/emergency-services.