Lexi Webster
In Australia, 112 is recognised as an emergency number alongside the country's primary emergency number, Triple Zero (000). Telstra, an Australian telecommunications company, is responsible for operating and transferring calls made to 000 and 112 to the relevant emergency service organisations (ESO) – police, fire, or ambulance services. It is important to note that 112 calls will not be carried by satellite if there is no mobile coverage, contrary to a common misconception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australia's main emergency service number | 000 |
| Alternative emergency service number | 112 |
| Who operates the emergency service | Telstra |
| When to call | When seeking an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance service in a life-threatening or time-critical situation |
| When not to call | When the situation is not urgent |
| How to call | Dialling 000 or 112 on any fixed or mobile phone and certain VoIP and satellite services |
| Cost | Free of charge |
| Text message | Cannot contact 000 or 112 via text |
| No mobile coverage | Cannot reach the emergency service via a mobile phone |
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What You'll Learn
112 is an emergency number in Australia
In Australia, 000 is the main emergency telephone number. However, 112 is an alternative number that can be used in emergency situations. When you dial either 000 or 112 from a mobile phone, your call will be answered by a Telstra operator who will transfer you to the required emergency service organisation (ESO)—police, fire, or ambulance services. These calls are free of charge to the caller and can be made even if your mobile provider does not have network coverage in the area or if your service is suspended, disconnected, or out of credit. However, it's important to note that you cannot reach the Emergency Call Service via a mobile phone if there is no mobile coverage on any network, regardless of whether you dial 000 or 112.
Australia also has two other emergency service numbers, but they are limited in their functionality. 106 is a text-based emergency service for people who are deaf or have hearing or speech impairments, and it can only be used with a teletypewriter (TTY) or a similar device. Additionally, the Emergency+ app can be downloaded for free and allows users to call 000 without unlocking the keypad or entering a PIN.
It is important to remember that the Triple Zero (000) and 112 emergency call services should only be used in life-threatening or time-critical situations when seeking an emergency response from police, fire, or ambulance services. For non-urgent matters, it is recommended to look up the number of your local police, fire, or ambulance service.
While 911 is the emergency number in the United States, dialling it will not connect you to Australian emergency services. Similarly, the State Emergency Service (SES) cannot be reached by dialling 000; their phone number is 132 500.
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Telstra transfers 112 calls to the required emergency service
In Australia, 000 is the main emergency phone number. This number, often referred to as 'triple zero', is used to contact the police, fire, or ambulance services in the event of an emergency. Calls to this number are free and can be made from any fixed or mobile phone, certain VoIP and satellite services, and even some satellite phones.
However, another emergency number, 112, also exists in Australia. This number is less well-known but serves a similar purpose to 000. When an individual dials 112, they will first speak to a Telstra operator, who will then transfer the call to the required emergency service organisation (ESO)—police, fire, or ambulance services. Telstra also answers calls to 000, and the process is similar, with the Telstra operator connecting the caller to the relevant ESO.
The use of 112 as an emergency number is not unique to Australia. It is the standard emergency number in many countries worldwide and can be used to access emergency services in those countries. This number is particularly useful for travellers or those with international phone plans, as it works across multiple countries and does not require knowledge of the local emergency number.
It is important to note that both 000 and 112 are meant for emergency situations only. In Australia, it is an offence to make a non-emergency call to these numbers under the Criminal Code Act. If a situation is not urgent, individuals should contact their local police, fire, or ambulance service directly. Additionally, neither 000 nor 112 can be contacted via text message. For those who are deaf or have hearing or speech impairments, a text-based emergency service is available on 106.
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112 calls don't connect via satellite if there's no mobile coverage
In Australia, 000 is the primary emergency call service number. It can be dialled from any fixed or mobile phone, pay phones, and certain Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Calls to 000 are free and will be carried on any available mobile network.
Australia also has two secondary emergency call service numbers: 112 and 106. 112 is an international standard emergency number that can only be dialled on a mobile phone and is not accessible via satellite. If there is no mobile coverage on any network, callers will not be able to reach the emergency call service via a mobile phone, regardless of which number is dialled. This is because satellite phones use different technology that mobile phones cannot access.
It is important to note that neither 000 nor 112 can be contacted via text message. However, SMS/text messages will sometimes go through even if voice coverage is unavailable.
The Emergency+ app is available to download for free in Australia, allowing users to call 000 without having to unlock the keypad or enter a PIN.
For iPhone 14 and later models, Emergency SOS via satellite is available in Australia. This feature allows users to connect to emergency services when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. To connect to a satellite, users need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. This service is free for two years after the activation of an iPhone 14 or later model.
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112 is not reachable via text message
In Australia, 112 is an international emergency phone number that works on every mobile phone network and can be dialled from any GSM phone worldwide. However, it is important to note that 112 is not reachable via text message. While this number can be useful in emergency situations, particularly when one does not remember the local emergency number, it is essential to understand the limitations of this service.
When you dial 112, your call will be answered by a Telstra operator, who will connect you to the required emergency service. This process is similar to the one followed when dialling Triple Zero (000), Australia's primary emergency service number. Your call will be transferred to the police, fire, or ambulance service, depending on your needs. Additionally, your location information will be shared with the emergency service you requested. However, it is worth noting that this location-sharing feature is disputed by some sources.
While 112 is a valuable backup option for reaching emergency services, it is not the only alternative method available in Australia. For individuals who are deaf or have hearing or speech impairments, a text-based emergency call service is accessible by dialling 106. This service, known as the National Relay Service (NRS), allows users to connect with the required emergency service organisation, including police, fire, or ambulance services. However, it is important to note that 106 can only be accessed via a teletypewriter (TTY) or a similar device and cannot be contacted via SMS.
In situations where a language barrier exists, non-English speakers who dial Triple Zero (000) will be transferred to the police in their capital city, where a translator can be arranged. Additionally, the Emergency+ app can provide crucial location details to those who are unsure of their exact whereabouts when placing an emergency call. This app uses GPS data or a three-word system to identify the caller's location, ensuring that emergency services can respond effectively.
In summary, while 112 serves as a valuable international emergency phone number in Australia, it is not accessible via text message. Alternative options, such as dialling Triple Zero (000) or utilising the text-based emergency call service by dialling 106, are available for specific situations where text-based communication or language translation services are required.
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Dial 000 for urgent police, fire or ambulance services
In Australia, if you need urgent assistance from the police, fire, or ambulance services, you should dial Triple Zero, or 000. This number is Australia's main emergency contact number. Calls to 000 are answered by a Telstra operator who will connect you to your required emergency service organisation (ESO). These calls are free and can be made from any fixed or mobile phone, as well as some VoIP and satellite services.
Telstra also operates the 112 emergency number, which functions in the same way as 000. When you call 112, your call is first answered by a Telstra operator who will then transfer you to the relevant ESO. However, it is important to note that calls to 112 will not be carried by satellite if there is no mobile coverage. This is a common misconception, and it is important to remember that if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach emergency services via a mobile phone, regardless of whether you dial 000 or 112.
When you dial 000, you will first hear a recorded message confirming that you have dialled Triple Zero and that your call is being connected. The Telstra operator will then ask you which emergency service you require and may request that you provide the state and town you are calling from. It is important to stay focused and provide relevant information to ensure a prompt response.
The Emergency+ app is also available to download for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This app allows you to call 000 without having to unlock your phone or enter a PIN. Additionally, if you are a non-English speaker, your call will be transferred to the police in your capital city, where a translator can be arranged.
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Frequently asked questions
112 is an emergency number in Australia.
When you dial 112, you will first speak to a Telstra operator who will ask whether you need the police, fire, or ambulance services. Your call will then be transferred to the requested emergency service.
No, you cannot contact 112 by text message.
No, your mobile phone cannot access a satellite network. If there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service.
