St John NT is calling on community members who use a key safe or lock box to register the code with the emergency ambulance service so that paramedics and other emergency responders can access homes in case of an emergency.
Territory Response Manager Craig Garraway confirmed that sometimes paramedics had to request support from the Police or Fire Brigade to gain entry into a home where the patient was alone and unable to open the door.
“Using a key safe is a practical and safe way of ensuring that emergency services can access the property if the door is locked. Addresses with a registered key safe show up automatically in our dispatch system when we assign an ambulance crew to a Triple Zero (000) call,” he said.
COTA Northern Territory CEO Sue Shearer explained that many of their senior members were now installing key safes and lock boxes for their own safety.
“These devices serve as a good way of having a key accessible from outside the property, particularly if they are living alone. They may use it for cleaners or friends and relatives.
“I highly recommend registering it with emergency services to assist them in an urgent situation,” she said.
“I actually have one, as does my mum, and it was used once when she needed an ambulance. It is a vital piece of security for older people,” Ms Shearer added.
The Access Information Registration Form is now available on the St John NT website at: https://www.stjohnnt.org.au/ambulance-services/how-call-triple-zero-000
All requests for access information to be installed in the emergency dispatch system will be reviewed, if accepted, the information regarding the property address will be retained for three years.
St John NT advises that the access information is also available to NT Police and NT Emergency Services.
ENDS.
Please direct all media enquiries to:
Media Unit
Email: media@stjohnnt.asn.au
Phone: 0428 628 653
