I AM 000

Katherine "Kat" Cardy works in the Triple Zero Victoria Burwood Ambulance team. She's been awarded the IAED 2024 Australasia Dispatcher of the Year. Kat is actually a Call-Taker, but the reason this award is for Dispatching is that internationally, the Dispatching role also includes Call-Taking.   Part of Kat's successful nomination included a 000 call of the birth of twin baby girls. Ambulance Call-Takers like Kat play a crucial role when they get a call involving a baby's birth; these calls are highly complex, can last a long time and the Call-Taker stays on the line while help is on its way.   Call-Takers are highly skilled and trained to deal with these stressful circumstances, Katherine's call lasted 20 minutes and the two babies were successfully delivered before being transported to the Royal Children's Hospital.   I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging.                                                                                                                              Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

The Gardiner family were celebrating their youngest Thomas’s 4th birthday. Mum Brooke had been experiencing gall-bladder attacks for the last six months; but little did she know what was about to happen. Suddenly Brooke found herself violently ill, throwing up. Her 8-year-old daughter Jorja called Triple Zero after finding her Mum lying in the shower having a gall bladder attack.               She told the Ambulance Call-Taker Eden Haddick she was home alone with her little brother. Although distressed, Jorja was able to answer all the questions about her Mum's condition and information about her medical history.    Call-Taker Eden Haddick thought she demonstrated such courage and bravery assisting her Mum that she nominated Jorja for a Junior Triple Zero Hero award. I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging.   Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

76-year-old Laura suffered a stroke in April this year and thankfully survived. She credits her survival to her quick-thinking grand-son Jarrod who called 000 and spoke to Call-Taker Stuart who helped diagnose her condition on the day, including running her through the stroke F.A.S.T test. Laura doesn’t remember much that day, but recalls Ambulance Victoria Paramedic Rebecca’s reassurance and care as they transported her to hospital. Laura’s story is especially pertinent in National Stroke Week. Minutes matter and it’s vital you know the warning signs for a stroke. By identifying F.A.S.T signs of a stroke, you can save a life – Face, Arms, Speech and Time. I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging.   Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

It’s not every day that a baby comes into the world on the side of the road. But that’s what happened with baby Evie in January this year. Little Evie was delivered with the assistance of Ambulance Call-Taker Jessica Stewart in the family car, on the side of Burwood Highway. When 31-year-old Mum Ashlie went into labor with her second baby, Ashlie and her partner Ben hopped into their car and headed to hospital. But her waters broke enroute., Ben had no choice but to pull up! They called triple zero and following  Call-Taker Jessica’s instructions Ashlie and Ben delivered their brand-new baby girl. According to Ben, Evie wasn't waiting for anyone - born in just 20 seconds! Evie is just one of 139 babies Triple Zero Victoria Call-Takers help deliver each year. I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging.   Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

Police Call-Taker Daniel Williams has been working with Triple Zero Victoria for the past two years. He’s one of the 172 Police Call-takers working across Triple Zero Victoria’s three centres and someone you may speak to if you call triple zero. In his role, Daniel can deal with as many as 200 different events from bomb threats, marine rescue, collisions to noise complaints – any event where a police unit needs to attend. He’s the person you’ll initially speak and must summarise what the caller says so that Victoria Police members know what’s going on and work out how best to respond.      I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging.   Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

Mum Terri-Ann Balfour stopped on the highway to deal with an upset child, when suddenly her car – which was also pulling a horse float - was side-swiped by a truck. Both vehicles were shunted along the road and the horse float tipped upside down, with pony “Topic” inside! It was chaos. A driver stopped to help and while Mum was trying to revert the horse float, young Lily-Ann Balfour had to step up. She was very worried about her precious pony but the nine-year old was a true Junior Triple Zero Hero, speaking calmly to Police Call-Taker Daniel Williams, answering his questions, informing him “everyone’s working together” and able to provide accurate information.     I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging.   Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

James and Oscar were in the car with their mum when she suddenly became violently unwell. She pulled up her car and James called triple zero and spoke with Call-Taker Chloe.  James constantly monitored his Mum’s condition, even checking their car’s hazard flashing lights were on. His little brother Oscar remained calm and told his Mum, he loved her.  Call-Taker Chloe was so impressed by James and Oscar that she nominated them for this year’s Junior Triple Zero Heroes. The award recognises young people for their bravery and clear-thinking during an emergency.    I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging.   Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

Smash repairman Cade Egan was doing an emergency drop-in on his elderly aunt in country Victoria during the floods last year when he drove into deep water. You'll hear what happened to Cade in this podcast episode.  In October 2022, the north and the west of Victoria along the Murray was hit by storms and flooded. For the first time ever, ESTA dispatchers were deployed to the regions to work alongside their emergency service colleagues. The emergency service response by all sectors is part of the current state's parliamentary inquiry into the devastating floods.  I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging. Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

It was just another Friday night for six-year-old Connor and Mum, Lyndall Heath. They were eating dinner when his Mum started to choke, vomit and cough up blood. Connor called triple zero and spoke to Ambulance Call-Taker Sam Pregnell. Despite the stressful situation, young Connor was able to provide his address, remained very calm and explained he was trying to look after Mum. CT Sam was so impressed with Connor he nominated him for an ESTA Junior Triple Zero Hero award.  This award recognises young people for their bravery and clear-thinking during an emergency. I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging. Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

Lois Ekong is a new graduate paramedic with Ambulance Victoria with an interesting background. As a trainee paramedic she not only studied and did her placement Ambulance shifts, but for the last nine months she also doubled up as an ESTA Ambulance Call-Taker. Something she now credits with making a very positive difference to her new role. Tune in to I AM 000 for our conversation with Lois.   I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging. Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

11-year-old Blake Alderuccio had read a book on first aid, so he knew what to do when his Mum was suddenly stung by bees. 51-year-old Helen owned a hive of bees and was on her ride-on mower when she was attacked by a swarm, stinging her all over her body and head. She immediately started having an anaphylactic reaction. Blake called Triple Zero and spoke to ESTA Call-Taker Melissa Doyle. Blake describes his Mum’s anaphylactic reaction. He sits with his Mum, carefully placing an icepack on her shoulders and back. Blake monitors his Mum, opens the gate and front door to give the ambulance crew access; he’s even worried about their chickens in their front yard! Call-Taker Melissa Doyle nominated Blake for a 2022 Junior Triple Hero award. She was impressed by his maturity and bravery in what were very trying circumstances.  I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging. Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

Aarush Khurana witnessed his little brother’s accident - it literally happened right in front of him.  In the latest episode of ESTA's "I AM 000" podcast we unravel the incredible moment 13-year-old Aarush stepped up and rang Triple Zero after his brother was hit by a car while riding a scooter. His actions were so remarkable, he was nominated as a Junior Triple Zero Hero last year. I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging. Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

One of this year’s Junior Triple Zero Hero’s Hannah Toliat features in this I AM 000 podcast. This episode includes excerpts from Hannah’s call to Triple Zero with ESTA experienced Dispatcher and Call-Taker Kim Matta, after her Mum had trouble breathing. 11-year-old Hannah called Triple Zero when her Mum woke up “with a pain in her whole body and had a shortness of breath”. Her bravery and ability to cope with such a challenging situation impressed CT Kim Matta so much she nominated her for a Junior Triple Zero Award. I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging.  Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.

ESTA’s Nick 'The Baby Whisperer' Smith features in this I AM 000 podcast. This episode includes excerpts from the experienced dispatcher and call-taker’s phone call helping to deliver baby Moama Hill, with dad Jarrod’s assistance. When the expectant parents Emma and Jarrod suddenly faced the reality of delivering their own baby on the bathroom floor, they called triple zero and spoke to Nick Smith. Nick’s assistance with the delivery of Moana is his twentieth successful delivery of newborns since starting work with ESTA. I AM 000 is recorded on Boon Wurrung land and we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and acknowledge their elders past, present and emerging. Subscribe here or listen on your preferred podcast player. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and Audible by Amazon Music.