About Us

Emergency Medical Call Takers are stepping up on a daily basis and are doing an incredible job providing a critical service to the community when they need it most.

“The team are amazing and they work so hard to be here for you and your whānau,” Tayla says.

Remember when you call 111 you will be asked a few additional questions to ensure the safety of our staff, patients and community. These are:

1. Have you travelled outside of NZ in the last 21 days?
2. Have you had close contact with a person who has travelled in the last 21 days or with someone who is suspected, or known to have COVID-19?
3. Do you have any flu like symptoms? Fever, difficulty in breathing or a persistent cough?

Everyone who calls 111 will be asked these questions regardless of travel or encounters with confirmed cases.

“We ask that everyone be patient and answer these questions as they benefit treatment and keep our emergency frontline staff safe; it also keeps our essential service running.”

You might also see our crews wearing different levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all jobs however, there is no need to be alarmed.

Wearing PPE is a precaution we are taking to keep our staff, patients and community safe.

Call takers will continue to keep in contact with callers just like they normally would until an ambulance arrives.

Tayla says it’s important to be kind during this time and with the current lockdown restrictions. It’s also important to look after your mental health and wellbeing.

“It’s important people don’t close themselves off mentally from the world. That’s not what isolation is designed to do. Contact is important for mental health; it just needs to be through something like FaceTime.”

As an essential worker, Tayla has been able to continue a solid routine, but like everyone else misses friends and family.

“If you have a medical emergency, always call 111 first. We will get the best help for you whether that be an ambulance or a clinician to call you back, you will be looked after in the best possible way.”

Please remember you can also call Healthline’s dedicated COVID-19 number – 0800 358 5453 – if you have concerns about your health or the health of others.