On Thursday evening 21 July, Police South Comms received a 111 call from a frantic Christchurch lady who had been on the internet with a gentleman in Louisiana, USA, says Inspector Kieran Kortegast.
"While on the line, the gentleman stated that he was depressed and that he was going to commit suicide," he says. "The Police Communicator was able to glean enough information from the Christchurch caller to enable a direct NZ Police response."
After being appraised of the situation and knowing that time was of the essence, Acting Shift Commander Senior Sergeant Tony Ellis, had the Communicator call the Police in Louisiana direct . The communicator got in touch with the local Sheriff's Department and passed all the information on for local Police attendance.
A couple of hours later the Sheriff's office advised Police South Comms that it had been a genuine suicide attempt. The victim was now safe and in hospital being treated.
Inspector Kieren Koregast stated that this just proves how effective 111 is not only locally but internationally
"This was excellent work by the Police South Comms staff involved," he says.