Newest recruit's first ever triple zero call

ESTA’s triple zero call-takers are on the phone with callers when emergency help is needed most, through a broad range of situations. For one of our new call-takers, Tanya, her first triple zero call involved a confirmed cardiac arrest.
 
Tanya had just started her first day shift when the call came through - a patient had collapsed at work and was not awake and not breathing. 
 
Tanya said luckily the caller and bystanders acted quickly, getting a defibrillator. 
 
“I was very quickly able to determine that the patient was in cardiac arrest and that CPR had to be performed as quickly as possible,” she said. 
 
“The caller did a great job – he was everything that we want from a caller in order to get the right help for the emergency; he listened and followed all my instructions. 
 
“By the time paramedics arrived the patient was breathing. 
 
“During the call I was focused and, because of my training, I knew what I had to do and didn’t feel lost. 
 
“Once I ended the call, I was emotional – a person was able to breathe again; it wasn’t what I expected my first call to be.  

 
“My mentor and team members were so supportive and everyone congratulated me and made sure I was ok. 
 
“Before joining ESTA, I worked as a nurse, so a career path that involves helping people and working with the community is important to me. 
 
“Cardiac arrests are some of the more challenging calls, so now that I know I can handle that and handle it well, it has definitely given me confidence.”