Emergency signs cause confusion
DESTINATION Tweed's CEO Bill Tatchell has voiced concerns about the apparent lack of training 000 call operators are getting with regards to beach signs designed as points of reference for emergencies.
The fluoro yellow signs can be seen on all Tweed beaches and are a Tweed Shire Council initiative.
Mr Tatchell was struck by a stingray's barb at Casuarina Beach earlier this year. When people assisting him rang 000 there was confusion with the operator regardingMr Tatchell's location, and an ambulance took 30-45 minutes to arrive.
"It is a little concerning that the operator did not know what we were talking about," Mr Tatchell said.
"Although I was in great pain, it was probably not a life and death situation - but what if it was?"
A council representative assured that ambulance officers were equipped with booklets outlining how to reference the signs.
"All local emergency services have been provided with the booklets, which they carry in their vehicles, including GPS co-ordinates.
"Should someone phone and quote the alphanumeric identification to the operator, while they may not be aware of it personally as they are not located locally, the local organisations responding will know," the spokesperson said.
