The triple zero service is reminding Victorians this long weekend to familiarise themselves with green emergency markers when out in areas with no set addresses, such as beaches, parks and trails, in case they’re involved in an emergency.

ESTA (Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority) has more than 3300 emergency markers registered in its Computer-Aided Dispatch system and in 175 locations across Victoria. Each marker has a three-letter and three-digit code which is linked with the CAD system and which indicates the location.

ESTA’s Executive Director Operations, Patrick Berry, said being aware of green emergency markers could make a difference in an emergency when every second counts, particularly this Australia Day long weekend with people going away and being outdoors in the heat.

“One of the challenges triple zero operators face is locating callers who are in open spaces with no set addresses, for example when bushwalking, hiking or swimming,” he said.

“Falls, heart attacks, de-hydration and anaphylaxis are just some of the emergencies that can happen in hard to define areas that may require an emergency response.

“Markers are green signs with white writing. Although they can be found in a number of shapes and sizes, they are commonly found fixed into the ground, to existing structures, such as a buildings or lamp posts, or attached to purpose-built bollards.

“The signs each have a unique code and when people quote this to a triple zero operator it will give emergency services details including the location and GPS coordinates and advising them of obstructions such as locked gates or quickest access points.

“As soon as our triple zero operators know where and what your emergency is, we will organise help,” he said.

Examples of emergency marker locations include Mornington Peninsula National Park, Grampians National Park, Great Ocean Walk and Dandenong Ranges National Park.

For a list of locations / suburbs where emergency markers can be found visit https://qr2id.com/au/public-markers/

ESTA provides the critical link between the Victorian community and the state’s emergency services agencies. It provides Victoria’s 24-hour emergency call-taking and dispatch services for police, fire, ambulance and VICSES. ESTA takes on average a call every 12 seconds.