FRNSW rolls out 000 location-finding technology

Next-generation (NG) technology is making it easier for Fire & Rescue NSW’s emergency call-takers to locate callers using mobile phones to call 000.

FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins has announced that FRNSW’s emergency call-takers were now using technology called Push MoLi, which provides ComCen operators with a map that shows the caller’s geographical location.

The technology, initiated by the Commonwealth Government and the National Emergency Communications Working Group (NECWG) and recently introduced by all Australian mobile carriers, automatically sends information about the location of callers using a mobile phone to call 000 directly to emergency call-takers.

“In Australia, around 66% of calls made to 000 are made by mobile phone. Until now, call-takers could not automatically access the location of the caller - information which is critical in an emergency,” Commissioner Mullins said.

“This information is critical in an emergency and this technology and means that call-takers can get crews on the road to the right location as quickly as possible.”

Commissioner Mullins said that FRNSW emergency call-takers had seen immediate benefits from the new technology.

“We have launched this technology in our two emergency call centres that cover the entire state.

“Our call-takers deal with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of calls a day, with firefighters responding to an emergency on average every four minutes. It is vital that our call-takers can extract information quickly, dispatch resources and move on to the next call.

“This technology enhances that ability, particularly when combined with the information provided by the automatic vehicle locators now installed on all fire trucks, and more and more people using the Emergency+ App. It means we can provide a faster emergency response.” Commissioner Mullins said Push MoLI is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to NG technology.

“NG technology will continue to have a significant influence on 000. Mobile Locate, which will automatically provide GPS coordinates from callers using smartphones, and text (SMS) to 000 are also being developed. Later this year the Commonwealth will release a review into the 000 service, which may lead to other NG projects.”