Medical Emergencies In Australia: A Concerning Number

what is the number of medical emergency australia

Emergency medical services in Australia are provided by state ambulance services, which are a division of each state or territorial government, and by St John Ambulance in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Ambulance services can be categorised into two groups: statutory services and volunteer groups. In the case of a medical emergency, Australians are advised to call Triple Zero (000) to get in touch with the police, fire, or ambulance services. This number can be called free of charge from any type of phone.

Characteristics Values
Ambulance service NSW Ambulance, St John Ambulance Australia, MedStar, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ Helicopter Rescue), LifeFlight Australia, RACQ CQ Rescue, RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue, RACQ NQ Rescue, AGL
Emergency number 000 (or Triple Zero)
International emergency number 112
Emergency number for hearing or speech impaired 106
Emergency number for flooding or storms 13 25 00
Mental health support MensLine Australia (1300 789 978), 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Alcohol and Drug Hotline (1800 250 015)
Non-emergency medical advice Healthdirect Australia, GP, pharmacist

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Emergency contact numbers

If you are in a medical emergency in Australia, the number to call is Triple Zero, or 000. This number is used for police, fire, and ambulance services. All calls to emergency service numbers are free of charge and can be made from any type of phone. If you are calling from a mobile phone, be aware of potential issues such as poor reception, limited or no network coverage, and low battery.

If you are experiencing a non-life-threatening emergency and do not require immediate medical attention, consider contacting a GP, pharmacist, or Healthdirect Australia before calling Triple Zero. Healthdirect Australia is a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by registered nurses who can provide advice and guidance on any health issue.

In regional and rural areas of Australia, emergency care may be provided by different medical staff, such as GPs, rural doctors, nurses, the Royal Flying Doctors Service, and paramedics. Additionally, some jurisdictions have private companies offering medical transportation services on a fee-for-service basis.

There are two secondary emergency service numbers in Australia: 112 and 106. 112 is an international standard emergency number that will automatically transfer you to Australia's Triple Zero service. However, it can only be dialled from a digital mobile phone. 106 is a text-based relay emergency service for individuals who are deaf or have hearing or speech impairments. It can be used with a teletypewriter (TTY) or a device for the deaf.

Other emergency contact numbers in Australia include:

  • 13 55 66: To book an appointment with the National Home Doctor Service in the Tweed Heads and Kingscliff region.
  • 13 25 00: To contact the SES for emergencies caused by flooding or storms.
  • 1800 737 732: 1800RESPECT, a counselling and referral service for anyone experiencing or at risk of family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
  • 1800 250 015: National Alcohol and Drug Hotline, providing advice and treatment options for alcohol and other drug-related concerns.

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Emergency services

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for police, fire, or ambulance services. This number can be called for free from any type of phone. When you call Triple Zero, paramedics are sent to ensure that patients who need the most urgent care are seen faster. It is always best to call Triple Zero from a fixed phone to avoid issues such as poor reception, limited or no network coverage, and low battery when using a mobile phone. However, if you have no alternative but to use a mobile phone, you can still dial Triple Zero.

There are two secondary emergency service numbers in Australia: 112 and 106. 112 is an international standard emergency number that will automatically transfer you to Australia's emergency 000 call service. However, it can only be dialled on a digital mobile phone. 106 is a text-based relay emergency service number for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. It can only be used with a teletypewriter (TTY) or a device for the deaf.

In rural and regional areas of Australia, emergency care may be provided by different medical staff, such as GPs or rural doctors, nurses, the Royal Flying Doctors Service, and paramedics. Some jurisdictions also have private companies offering medical transportation services on a fee-for-service basis.

If you or someone you know is sick but it is not a life-threatening emergency, consider the following options before calling Triple Zero: see a GP for illnesses or injuries that won't go away and cannot be treated by over-the-counter medication; see a pharmacist for common health problems such as coughs, colds, or sore throats; or contact Healthdirect Australia, a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by registered nurses.

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Emergency departments

In Australia, emergency medical services are provided by state ambulance services, which are a division of each state or territorial government. In Western Australia and the Northern Territory, St John Ambulance Australia provides all statutory ambulance services. In other states, such as South Australia, medical crews are provided by MedStar, a government entity that provides doctors, nurses, and flight paramedics to MAC Rescue (helicopter) and RFDS (fixed-wing). Ambulance services in Australia can be divided into two basic groups: statutory services and volunteer groups.

In regional and rural areas of Australia, emergency care may be provided by different medical staff, including GPs, rural doctors, nurses, the Royal Flying Doctors Service, and paramedics. The Royal Flying Doctor Service is especially important in sparsely populated interior regions, where fixed-wing aircraft are preferred over helicopters for their longer range.

If you or someone you know is unwell but does not require immediate medical attention, consider the following options before calling Triple Zero (000): see a GP for illnesses or injuries that won't go away and can't be treated with over-the-counter medication; consult a pharmacist for common ailments like coughs, colds, or sore throats; or contact Healthdirect Australia, a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by registered nurses who can provide guidance on any health issue.

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Ambulance services

In some states, such as South Australia, a mix of service providers, including other emergency services like the police, continue to operate, but medical crews are provided by MedStar, a government entity that provides doctors, nurses, and flight paramedics to MAC Rescue (helicopter) and RFDS (fixed-wing aircraft). Helicopters are preferred in coastal areas with high population density, while fixed-wing aircraft are used in the sparsely populated interior.

In rural South Australia, some towns have Community Emergency Response Teams, such as Port McDonnell and Marion Bay. In Melbourne, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade provides a fully professional Emergency Medical Response (EMR) capability for the metropolitan fire district. The EMR program is run in partnership with Ambulance Victoria to ensure a rapid trained response to "priority 0" medical emergencies (suspected cardiac or respiratory arrest) across Melbourne.

To call for an ambulance in Australia, dial Triple Zero (000). This number is toll-free and can be dialled from any type of phone. If you are calling from a mobile phone, it is best to use a fixed phone to avoid issues like poor reception or low battery. However, if a mobile phone is your only option, you can still dial 000. Alternatively, you can dial 112, which will automatically transfer you to Australia's emergency 000 call service.

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First aid and preparation

In Australia, the number to call in a medical emergency is Triple Zero, or 000. If you are calling from an international phone, the emergency number is 112. If you are hearing or speech-impaired, you can contact emergency services by calling 106.

First aid training can be essential in preparing for a medical emergency. There are several organisations in Australia that offer first aid courses, including First Response Australia, Absolute Medical Response Australia, and NSW Ambulance. These courses can cover a range of topics, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, treating injuries such as burns and bites, managing medical conditions such as asthma and anaphylaxis, and responding to cardiac emergencies. It is recommended to refresh your first aid skills every three years and renew your CPR knowledge annually.

In addition to training, having a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial for preparation. Basic first aid kits can be purchased online or from pharmacies, and they typically include items such as gauze swabs, thermometers, and fire safety equipment. You can also find specialised first aid kits for specific needs, such as snake bite kits and kits for remote or isolated areas.

Before an emergency arises, it is helpful to keep a record of your health information and medications. NSW Ambulance provides a Personal Health Diary that can be used for this purpose. If you have children, it is essential to have their Personal Health Record, also known as the "Blue Book." Additionally, ensure that your Medicare number is readily available, as it will be needed by hospital staff in an emergency.

If you live in a rural or hard-to-find location, there are a few extra considerations to make. When calling for an ambulance, provide clear directions or landmarks to help them locate your address. It may also be beneficial to learn about alternative emergency care options in your area, as rural areas may be served by GPs, rural doctors, nurses, or the Royal Flying Doctors Service instead of hospitals.

Frequently asked questions

In a medical emergency in Australia, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. This number can also be used for police and fire emergencies.

Yes, there are two secondary emergency service numbers in Australia: 112 and 106. 112 is an international standard emergency number that will redirect you to Australia's Triple Zero service. 106 is a text-based service for those who are deaf or have hearing or speech impairments.

You can call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222. This is a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by registered nurses.

MensLine Australia provides counselling and referral services for men. Call 1300 789 978 or chat with them online. 1800RESPECT provides similar services for anyone who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

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