There was a lack of mapping information available to assist the ‘triple zero’ operator in providing the emergency responders with directions to a defined location within the port area.
The actions taken by the Port of Portland and ESTA, prior to and after the accident, will assist with the directing of all emergency services.
Immediately following the incident, ESTA introduced a Common Place Name for the Port of Portland, which relies on a geographical location rather than a street address, into the ESTA CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system allowing verification to the primary gate.
Also, when an emergency marker at the Port of Portland is verified, the call taker at the ESTA call centre will automatically be prompted to call the port’s emergency response controller on the 24 hour phone number.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by the ESTA should adequately address this safety issue with respect to emergency services’ operations within the port.
On the 19 September 2013, prior to this accident, the Port of Portland met with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) to plan and map the placement of emergency markers (numbered green signs with instructions and locations printed on them) to be placed around the landside restricted zone and public areas of the port. The location of each sign, alongwith its GPS co-ordinates, was to be entered into ESTA’s computer systems so that emergency services could be better direct to the scene or meeting point for further directions.
This system was not in operation at the time of the accident as the works were not completed until 23 December 2013.
As a result of this accident, the Port of Portland has changed its procedures and informed its tenants that all emergency services are to be met at the port gates and escorted to the scene of the emergency.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by the Port of Portland should adequately address this safety issue with respect to emergency services’ operations within the port.
