A significant and costly emergency response was triggered in the Geelong suburb of Grovedale on Wednesday night following a bizarre and false triple-zero call, prompting a stern warning from authorities.
False Alarm Wastes Critical Emergency Resources
Emergency services, including Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, rushed to a location on Batesford Road just after 9:30 PM on Wednesday, May 22. The response was launched after a call was made to triple-zero, reporting a person in urgent need of medical assistance.
However, upon arrival, crews discovered the call was a hoax. No person was found at the scene requiring help, and no genuine incident had occurred. The entire emergency deployment was based on fabricated information.
Police Issue Strong Condemnation of Hoax Caller
Victoria Police have strongly condemned the actions of the hoax caller. A police spokesperson emphasised that making false reports to emergency services is not a victimless prank.
"Making a false report to emergency services is not a joke," the spokesperson stated. "It diverts resources away from genuine emergencies where people are in real need of urgent assistance."
The incident tied up police officers, paramedics, and vehicles that could have been responding to life-threatening situations elsewhere in the Geelong region. Authorities have confirmed they are investigating the origin of the call.
Community Urged to Use Triple-Zero Responsibly
This incident serves as a stark reminder to the community about the critical importance of using the triple-zero service responsibly. Hoax calls create dangerous delays for people experiencing actual emergencies, such as heart attacks, serious accidents, or crimes in progress.
Emergency services rely on accurate information to prioritise and dispatch resources effectively. Every false call represents a potential risk to someone else's life. Police are urging anyone with information about the Grovedale hoax to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.
The investigation into this wasteful and dangerous act remains ongoing as authorities work to identify the individual responsible.
