In an era where technology rapidly transforms our daily lives, New South Wales is taking a significant leap forward in emergency response services.

The state has introduced a groundbreaking initiative to change how residents report and interact with emergency services.

Starting today, Triple Zero (000) calls can be livestreamed, allowing callers to send live video footage directly to emergency call operators.

This innovative approach, powered by the GoodSAM platform, is named 'BluLink' and is designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of emergency responses.

NSW introduced BluLink, where Triple Zero calls can be livestreamed. Credit: @nswpolice / Instagram

With BluLink, callers can provide real-time video, precise GPS locations, digital media uploads, and even text messages when speaking on the phone might be too dangerous or impractical.

The introduction of BluLink follows a successful 12-month trial in selected metropolitan and regional areas of NSW, which began in February 2023.

The trial proved instrumental during the investigation of the Bondi Junction stabbing attacks and was credited with aiding in the location of over 100 missing persons and at least 60 lost bushwalkers.

Yasmin Catley, Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism, emphasised the importance of community involvement in emergency situations.

'Police rely on members of the community to accurately describe an incident, so they know what they're dealing with and how they need to respond; 'BluLink' gives them unrivalled access to a scene before they've even arrived,' Catley stated.

‘On average, police receive more than 1500 emergency calls for assistance every day; this technology will help triage and respond to incidents more effectively than ever before.’

Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney, Commander of Technology and Communication Services Command, also praised the new technology for its potential to save time and resources.

'You never know when you might be in an emergency or need to call triple zero (000), and 'BluLink' could help if something were to happen,' Maloney said.

Key Takeaways

• Triple zero emergency calls in NSW will have the option to be livestreamed to operators via the GoodSAM platform's 'BluLink' feature.
• The new technology allows callers to send real-time video, provide exact GPS locations, and digitally upload media or text, particularly in situations where speaking may be too dangerous.
• A 12-month trial showed the effectiveness of the technology in assisting police with incidents such as the Bondi Junction stabbing and locating missing persons.
• Police and authorities believe that 'BluLink' will significantly enhance their ability to rapidly assess and respond to emergencies, acting as an efficient tool to triage incidents.

Do you feel more secure knowing that emergency services can now see what's happening in real-time? Or do you have concerns about privacy and the use of this technology? Share your opinions in the comments below!

 

[novezar]

What on earth has online shopping got to do with 000 phone calls I ask ?

 

[Sherril54]

I though this site was an opportunity to share opinions!
It seems to me that when a few members do share their opinions they are criticised for doing so and I feel uncomfortable about this, it should be an opportunity to have your say and an opportunity to learn how others view particular issues.
I am not tech savvy, nor do I feel the need to become tech savvy. I have an ordinary mobile phone and a home computer that`s enough for me so the GoodSAM platform's 'BluLink' feature will not be a feature that excites me at all.

 

[freedy50]

Yes, I read that, but how many people can be sending live images,000 can receive many calls for the same emergency. Wait till the traffic jams start happening with good Samaritans recording live images.

You could be correct, but they would have tested for things like this before letting it go live.

 

[havingadoggyday]

This kind of service is used in the UK as well as the USA, as usual Oz is a little slow to bring this kind of much needed service to our own triple zero emergency services but it looks as if they have caught up even if only NSW at the moment the ability to save lives as this service will certainly do can only be a good thing for all of us.

Absolutely