The Emergency number in Australia is Triple Zero (000)
- This is a free call from any phone, even a phone box or disconnected mobile phone.
- When dialling Triple Zero (000) there is a short recorded message stating that you have dialled the emergency number, then an operator will ask which service you require - ambulance, police or fire.
- In the event of a medical emergency, ask for AMBULANCE.
- You will be connected to an ambulance control centre and asked a standard set of questions by the operator. Answering these questions helps us get an ambulance to you as quickly as possible.
- It is important to stay calm and speak slowly.
Once you have answered these questions the first available ambulance will be sent. Additional questions will then be asked by the operator, who will also provide further assistance or instructions depending on the situation.
Remain calm and do not hang up until the operator has obtained the required information.
Download our 'What to do in a medical emergency in a shopping centre' information sheet.
How do we respond to emergency Triple Zero (000) calls?
Given some of the recent media about the Ambulance Service, it seems timely to talk about how we respond to emergency Triple Zero (000) calls.
Hear A/Chief Executive Mike Willis and Director, Control Division Jamie Vernon talk about the Triple Zero (000) call taking process.
Hear Regan from our Sydney Control Centre talk you through what happens when you call Triple Zero (000)
Mobile phones
- When possible contact Ambulance by calling Triple Zero (000) from a fixed phone.
- Mobile network capacity, topography, climate and even the number of users in a particular location, can affect your ability to make a call in an emergency using a mobile phone.
- If you have no alternative but to use a mobile phone dial Triple Zero (000) or ‘112' (contact can even be made if your mobile has been blocked or your security settings have been activated).
- If you dial Triple Zero (000) but have no reception with your own mobile phone carrier, dial ‘112' and your call will be carried by any available GSM network if it is available.
It is always best to check with your mobile phone provider to see what number is best suited for your model of mobile phone.
Ambulance does not have the capacity to receive an SMS text message from mobile phones in an emergency.
Hearing or speech impairment
- People with hearing or speech impairment may gain access to the ambulance emergency number by dialling 106 through a TTY or computer with modem.
- The 106 number provides the same service as the Triple Zero (000) emergency service, but is only for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.
- 106 is a toll-free number provided as part of the National Relay Service.
- This text based emergency service allows callers to pass on text information to a relay officer, who dials the correct emergency service and relays the conversations.
- Visit the Australian Communications Exchange website which offers a phone solution for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. > click here
Interpreter services
All callers should dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency, regardless of their level of English.
If an operations centre officer experiences difficulty in understanding a caller they may access the interpreter service. The interpreter service will contact the emergency caller and establish a three-way conversation with the operations centre to facilitate communication.
Why we use 'Triple Zero (000)'
For most of us, the number to contact emergency services has always been referred to as "Triple 0". This terminology seems to have always been with us, dating back to the days when phones had rotary dials and Don Lane was on the telly late at night. The arrival of alpha/numeric phone keypads has seen the creation of many new marketing opportunities, so while a phone number in the past was just that - numbers, these days ordering some take away is as simple as dialing 13PIZZA.
Suddenly there is the very real risk of people, who may have never needed to contact emergency services before, making a dialling error during a crisis. Using the alpha/numeric style of dialing and simply mistaking ‘0' as the letter ‘O', the potential exists for people to dial "666" and that phone call is never going to make an ambulance appear in the driveway.
So for these very good reasons, Ambulance (and all other emergency services across Australia) have agreed to move to a new way of describing our emergency contact number "Triple Zero (000)".
As members of the most trusted profession, people expect Ambulance to lead the way with our service and our information provision. We need to take the lead as we introduce "Triple Zero (000)" into all our communications - when we talk to kids, our community, our patients, reminding everyone that the only way to call for help is to dial "Triple Zero (000)".
So, it's goodbye "Triple 0" and hello "Triple Zero (000)".
Frequently Asked Questions
What hospital will I be taken to?
You will be taken to the nearest public or private hospital (whichever is relevant) that offers the most suitable and available medical options for your condition or treatment.
How can my family members find out which hospital I have been transported to?
Paramedics will inform you and your family members which hospital you will be taken to prior to departure. Privacy laws prohibit any information relating to your medical condition or personal details to be given to any person over the phone.
Will the ambulance have its lights and sirens operating on the way to hospital?
Lights and sirens are only used during transport to hospital if the patient's condition is deemed as life-threatening or rapidly deteriorating. If this is the case, the paramedics will pass urgent medical information to the hospital so the medical team is prepared for your arrival.
Can the ambulance take me back home?
In most circumstances transport cannot be provided by ambulance for your return journey home. You will be required to organise alternate transportation. A patient transport service available for those people who are medically unfit to travel by public transport or other means. This service can only be booked by your medical practitioner or health specialist.