Black Hill markers could save lives

A PLACE of recreation and sometimes risky fast-paced action, Black Hill Reserve has seen its fair share of injuries and emergencies.

Thirty-one new green emergency markers, strategically placed around the park, have been installed to help first responders locate and access patients or problem situations immediately.

In the event of an emergency at Black Hill Reserve, a person calling 000 will be able to reference the closest emergency marker to the incident, which responding services will locate on a geospatial Rapidmap.

Ambulance Victoria geospatial information services officer Karl Morrison said each alpha-numeric marker is unique, with specific instructions.

“Each has a description on how best or safest to access those. It’s not always the quickest or direct route because we have to consider everyone’s safety, and access in terms of vehicle extrication,” he said.

“From the nearest cross-road intersection, it gives the emergency responders a direction, turn-by-turn, how to get into that marker location, and hopefully the person or persons are in proximity to that marker, and can be easily and quickly found.”

Police officer and City of Ballarat Cr Des Hudson said the infrastructure could save lives.

“Emergency situations don’t always happen at home, or in an environment that we’re familiar with… but it’s really important that we know exactly where we’re sending the emergency service that we need,” he said.

“Whether it’s first aid, police, or the fire brigade, we’re going to be able to do what we need to do as quickly as possible.”

Club MUD mountain-biker Craig Moore rides at Black Hill often.

“If there weren’t markers, I couldn’t describe how to find most of the tracks. It will help our Club in running events,” he said.

Similar markers exist on the Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail.