Emergency Services in Australia
Understanding Australia’s emergency services can be life-saving. This guide covers emergency contacts, procedures, and safety information for various situations.Primary Emergency Number
Triple Zero (000)
- When to call: Life-threatening emergencies only
- Services: Police, Fire, Ambulance
- Free: No charge from any phone (including mobile)
- 24/7 availability: Operates 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Language support: Interpreter services available
How to Call 000
- Stay calm: Take a deep breath
- Dial 000: From any phone
- State service needed: “Police,” “Fire,” or “Ambulance”
- Provide location: Exact address or nearest cross streets
- Describe emergency: What happened and current situation
- Follow instructions: Listen to the operator’s guidance
- Stay on line: Don’t hang up until told to do so
Police Services
When to Call Police (000)
- Immediate danger: Someone is in immediate physical danger
- Crime in progress: Witnessing a crime happening now
- Serious accidents: Major traffic accidents with injuries
- Violent situations: Domestic violence, assault, threats
- Break-ins: Someone breaking into property
Non-Emergency Police (131 444)
- Minor crimes: Theft, vandalism, fraud (after the fact)
- Traffic incidents: Minor accidents without injuries
- Lost property: Items lost or found
- General inquiries: Information about police services
- Reporting: Non-urgent matters that still need police attention
Police Powers and Procedures
- Identification: Police must identify themselves and show ID
- Right to silence: You don’t have to answer questions (except identity)
- Search powers: Police need reasonable grounds or warrant
- Arrest procedures: You must be told why you’re being arrested
- Legal representation: Right to contact a lawyer
Fire and Emergency Services
When to Call Fire Services (000)
- Structure fires: Buildings, houses, or vehicles on fire
- Bush fires: Grass or forest fires
- Chemical spills: Hazardous material incidents
- Gas leaks: Suspected gas leaks
- Rescue situations: People trapped in vehicles or buildings
- Explosion: Any type of explosion
Fire Safety Tips
- Smoke alarms: Check batteries every 6 months
- Escape plans: Know two ways out of every building
- Fire extinguishers: Learn proper use and locations
- Gas safety: Know how to turn off gas mains
- Electrical safety: Don’t overload power points
Bushfire Preparedness
- Fire danger ratings: Check daily ratings during fire season
- Bushfire plan: Prepare and practice evacuation plans
- Emergency kit: Water, food, medications, documents
- Stay informed: Monitor emergency broadcasts
- Defend or leave early: Make decision before fire approaches
Ambulance Services
When to Call Ambulance (000)
- Unconscious person: Not responding to voice or touch
- Breathing problems: Difficulty breathing or stopped breathing
- Chest pain: Severe chest pain or heart attack symptoms
- Severe bleeding: Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- Serious injuries: Major trauma from accidents
- Poisoning: Suspected poisoning or overdose
- Stroke symptoms: Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty
Ambulance Costs
- Emergency calls: Free for life-threatening emergencies
- Non-emergency: May be charged for non-urgent calls
- Insurance: Private health insurance may cover costs
- Medicare: May provide some coverage
- Ambulance membership: State-based membership available
First Aid Basics
- DRSABCD: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation
- Recovery position: For unconscious but breathing patients
- Pressure on wounds: Direct pressure to control bleeding
- Don’t move: Spinal injury patients unless in immediate danger
- First aid courses: St John Ambulance and Red Cross offer training
State Emergency Services (SES)
SES Responsibilities
- Storm damage: Roof repairs, fallen trees
- Flood rescue: Swift water rescue operations
- Search and rescue: Missing persons in wilderness
- Emergency support: Support to other emergency services
- Community education: Disaster preparedness programs
When to Call SES
- Storm damage: Building damage from storms (non-life threatening)
- Flooding: Property flooding (not immediate danger)
- Missing persons: People missing in bush or remote areas
- Emergency assistance: Non-life threatening emergencies
SES Contact
- Emergency: Call 000 for life-threatening situations
- Non-emergency: 132 500 for general SES assistance
Poison Information Centre
Poison Hotline: 13 11 26
- Available 24/7: Round-the-clock poison advice
- Free service: No charge for calls
- Expert advice: Qualified poison specialists
- All poisonings: Medications, household products, plants, bites
When to Call Poison Centre
- Suspected poisoning: Ingestion of harmful substances
- Medication overdose: Too much medication taken
- Chemical exposure: Contact with dangerous chemicals
- Plant ingestion: Eating potentially poisonous plants
- Animal bites: Snake, spider, or marine animal bites
Mental Health Emergencies
Crisis Helplines
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (depression and anxiety)
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (for people under 25)
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
When to Seek Help
- Suicidal thoughts: Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Severe depression: Unable to function normally
- Psychotic episodes: Loss of touch with reality
- Panic attacks: Severe anxiety or panic
- Domestic violence: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Natural Disasters
Cyclone Safety
- Preparation: Secure property, stock supplies
- Shelter: Stay indoors during cyclone
- After cyclone: Beware of damaged power lines and flooding
- Evacuation: Follow official evacuation orders
Earthquake Safety
- During earthquake: Drop, cover, and hold on
- After earthquake: Check for injuries and damage
- Tsunami risk: Move to higher ground if near coast
- Building damage: Don’t enter damaged buildings
Flood Safety
- Never drive through: Don’t drive through flood water
- Higher ground: Move to higher ground immediately
- Stay informed: Monitor emergency broadcasts
- After flooding: Beware of contaminated water and damaged infrastructure
Marine and Water Safety
Beach Safety
- Swim between flags: Only swim in patrolled areas
- Surf lifesavers: Follow lifesaver instructions
- Rip currents: Learn to identify and escape rips
- Sun protection: Use sunscreen and protective clothing
- Marine stingers: Be aware of jellyfish in northern waters
Water Emergency Contacts
- Surf Life Saving: Emergency response on beaches
- Water Police: Maritime emergencies and water rescue
- Coast Guard: Volunteer marine rescue services
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Kit Essentials
- Water: 4 liters per person per day (3-day supply)
- Food: Non-perishable food for 3 days
- Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter medicines
- First aid kit: Basic medical supplies
- Flashlight and radio: Battery-powered or hand-crank
- Extra batteries: For devices and flashlights
- Important documents: Copies in waterproof container
- Cash: Small bills and coins
- Personal hygiene items: Sanitation and comfort items
Communication Plan
- Emergency contacts: List of important phone numbers
- Meeting points: Designated places to meet family
- Out-of-area contact: Someone outside the disaster area
- School/work plans: Know emergency procedures at school/work
- Regular check-ins: Plan for regular family communication
Technology and Apps
Emergency Apps
- Emergency Plus: Provides GPS location to emergency services
- First Aid by Red Cross: First aid guidance and tips
- SES FloodSafe: Flood warnings and safety information
- Fires Near Me: Real-time fire information
- Weather Zone: Weather warnings and forecasts
Alert Systems
- Emergency Alert: SMS warnings for life-threatening emergencies
- Standard Emergency Warning Signal: Distinctive sound on radio/TV
- Emergency broadcasts: Special emergency programming
- Social media: Official emergency service accounts
Safety for Tourists
Tourist-Specific Risks
- Wildlife encounters: Dangerous animals and insects
- Remote area travel: Getting lost in outback areas
- Water activities: Ocean and river safety
- Extreme weather: Unprepared for Australian conditions
- Cultural misunderstandings: Different emergency procedures
Prevention Tips
- Tell someone: Always inform someone of your travel plans
- Carry communication: Satellite phone or EPIRB for remote areas
- Know your limits: Don’t attempt activities beyond your skill level
- Local advice: Listen to local guides and authorities
- Insurance: Ensure you have adequate travel insurance
Legal Obligations
Good Samaritan Laws
- Legal protection: Protection when providing reasonable assistance
- Duty of care: No legal obligation to assist (except in some professions)
- Within abilities: Only provide assistance within your capabilities
- Call for help: Always call professional emergency services
Reporting Obligations
- Witness to crime: No legal obligation to intervene physically
- Child abuse: Mandatory reporting in some situations
- Car accidents: Must stop and render assistance if possible
- Maritime incidents: Obligation to assist vessels in distress
Recovery and Support
After an Emergency
- Safety first: Ensure ongoing safety before other activities
- Document damage: Take photos for insurance claims
- Contact insurance: Report claims as soon as possible
- Seek support: Professional counseling for trauma
- Community resources: Local support groups and services
Victim Support
- Victims Services: Government support for crime victims
- Counseling services: Free trauma counseling available
- Financial assistance: Possible compensation for victims
- Legal aid: Free legal advice for serious matters