australia emergency services

Australia Emergency Services: Your Essential Guide & Contacts

Emergency situations require immediate and informed responses. Understanding Australia’s comprehensive emergency services network and knowing the correct contact numbers can make the difference between life and death. This essential guide provides detailed information about emergency services available across Australia, including critical phone numbers, when to use each service, and how to prepare for various emergency situations.

Primary Emergency Services in Australia

Triple Zero (000): Australia’s Main Emergency Number

Triple Zero (000) is Australia’s primary emergency service number, accessible from any fixed or mobile phone, payphones, and certain Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Call Triple Zero (000) for police, fire or ambulance services in Australia, but only in serious or life-threatening situations.

Triple Zero calls are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The calls are handled by Telstra, which answers and transfers them along with location information to the appropriate emergency service. When you call 000, you’ll hear a recorded message before being connected to a Telstra operator who will ask whether you need police, fire, or ambulance services.

When to Call Triple Zero (000)

Call Triple Zero only when someone is seriously injured or in immediate danger, when property is being damaged or destroyed by fire, or when a crime is being committed. Examples of appropriate 000 calls include house fires, car accidents with injuries, serious medical emergencies like heart attacks or strokes, witnessing violent crimes in progress, or situations where someone’s life is in immediate danger.

How Triple Zero Works

You can call Triple Zero (000) from any fixed or mobile phone, pay phones and certain VoIP (voice over internet protocol) and satellite services. When calling, stay calm and speak clearly. The operator will ask for your location first, then connect you to the appropriate emergency service. If you’re unable to speak, stay on the line as the operator will still attempt to assist you.

International Emergency Number: 112

Australia also recognises the international emergency number 112, which connects to the same services as 000. This number is particularly useful for overseas visitors who may be familiar with 112 from their home countries. Like 000, calls to 112 are free and operate 24/7.

State Emergency Service (SES)

SES Contact Number and Services

The phone number for all SES units is 132 500. You cannot contact the SES by dialing 000. Calls to 000 can only be transferred to police, fire or ambulance services. The SES is a crucial emergency service that operates across all Australian states and territories.

The State Emergency Service (SES) is the name used by a number of separate civil defence organisations in Australia that provide assistance during and after major incidents. Specifically, the services deal with floods, storms and tsunamis, but can also assist in other emergencies, such as vertical rescue and road crash rescues, missing persons searches, and medical evacuations.

When to Contact SES

Call SES on 132 500 for assistance with floods, storms, tsunami warnings, earthquake damage, landslides, and other natural disasters. VICSES is the control agency for flood, storm, tsunami, earthquake and landslide throughout Victoria, and provide the largest Road Crash Rescue network in Australia, with specialist teams in 104 of our 150 units across the state. SES also assists with emergency rescue situations and provides support to other emergency agencies when required.

SES Operations and Availability

The SES is operational 24 hours a day, staffed primarily by volunteers who undergo extensive training. SES units are strategically located across Australia to provide rapid response to emergencies in both urban and rural areas. In many situations, SES works alongside police, fire, and ambulance services to provide comprehensive emergency response.

Specialised Emergency and Crisis Services

Poisons Information Centre

The Poisons Information Centre operates 24 hours a day on 13 11 26. Call this number if someone has taken an overdose, made an error with medication, or been poisoned. The service provides expert advice on chemical exposure, drug overdoses, plant poisoning, mushroom ingestion, and bites and stings from venomous animals.

The centre is staffed by qualified health professionals who can provide immediate guidance on treatment and determine whether emergency medical attention is required. Early contact with the Poisons Information Centre can be life-saving, particularly in cases involving children or unknown substances.

Mental Health Crisis Support

For immediate mental health emergencies where someone is at risk of self-harm or suicide, call Triple Zero (000) for police, ambulance, or fire services. For mental health crisis support that doesn’t require emergency services, several 24-hour services are available.

Beyond Blue provides immediate mental health support and advice on 1300 224 636, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Lifeline offers 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services on 13 11 14. The Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) provides immediate telephone counselling for people at risk of suicide, as well as support for carers and bereaved family and friends.

Police Assistance Line

Police attendance (contact police when it is not life-threatening or time-critical): 131 444 (all states except Victoria). This number is for situations requiring police assistance that are not emergencies. Examples include reporting minor traffic accidents without injuries, theft that has already occurred, or seeking general police advice.

In Victoria, residents should contact their local police station directly for non-emergency police matters, as the 131 444 service is not available in that state. Each police station maintains local contact numbers for non-urgent matters.

Healthcare Emergency Services

Ambulance Services

Ambulance services are accessed through Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening medical emergencies. Each state and territory operates its own ambulance service, providing emergency medical treatment and transport to hospitals. Paramedics are highly trained medical professionals who can provide advanced life support at the scene and during transport.

Call ambulance services for serious injuries, chest pain or heart problems, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, severe allergic reactions, major burns, suspected stroke symptoms, or any situation where someone requires immediate medical attention.

Non-Emergency Health Services

For health concerns that are urgent but not life-threatening, most states operate nurse-on-call services or health direct lines. Health Direct Australia provides a 24-hour telephone health advice service on 1800 022 222, staffed by registered nurses who can provide health information and advice on whether immediate medical attention is required.

Many states also operate their own health information lines, such as 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) in Queensland, which provides 24-hour health advice from qualified nurses.

Fire and Rescue Services

Fire Brigade Contact

Fire services are contacted through Triple Zero (000) for all fire emergencies, including house fires, bushfires, chemical spills, gas leaks, and rescue operations. Each state and territory operates professional fire and rescue services, with many areas also supported by volunteer fire brigades.

Fire services respond to structure fires, vehicle fires, bushfires, hazardous material incidents, motor vehicle accidents requiring rescue, and other emergency situations requiring specialised equipment and training.

Rural Fire Services

Rural areas are primarily serviced by volunteer Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades, which play a crucial role in bushfire prevention and response. During fire danger periods, RFS services coordinate with other emergency agencies to manage fire risks and respond to bushfire emergencies across rural and semi-rural areas.

State and Territory Emergency Services

New South Wales Emergency Services

New South Wales operates comprehensive emergency services including NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, and NSW SES. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000). NSW SES can be contacted directly on 132 500 for flood and storm assistance.

Victoria Emergency Services

Victoria’s emergency services include Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority (CFA), Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), Ambulance Victoria, and Victoria SES. Call 132 500 from anywhere in Victoria for flood, storm, tsunami and earthquake emergency. For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

Queensland Emergency Services

Queensland operates Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Queensland Ambulance Service, and Queensland SES. All life-threatening emergencies should be reported through Triple Zero (000), while SES assistance is available on 132 500.

Other States and Territories

Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory each maintain their own emergency service organisations following similar structures. All operate under the national Triple Zero system for life-threatening emergencies and provide SES services through 132 500.

Emergency Preparedness at Home

Creating an Emergency Plan

Develop a comprehensive emergency plan for your household that includes emergency contact numbers, evacuation routes, meeting points, and important document locations. Ensure all family members understand the plan and practice it regularly. Include contact information for local emergency services, hospitals, schools, and work places.

Keep emergency supplies readily accessible, including first aid kits, flashlights, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food, water, medications, and important documents in waterproof containers. Update emergency kits regularly and check expiry dates on supplies.

Teaching Emergency Procedures

Ensure all household members, including children, know how to call Triple Zero (000) and understand when it’s appropriate to use this number. Practice making emergency calls and teach children their full name, address, and phone number. Show children how to unlock phones and access emergency calling features.

Establish clear procedures for different types of emergencies, such as fires, severe weather, or medical emergencies. Ensure everyone knows evacuation routes from your home and designated meeting places outside.

Important Information to Keep Accessible

Maintain an updated list of emergency contacts including local police, fire, and ambulance non-emergency numbers, family doctor, local hospital, utility companies, and insurance providers. Store this information both digitally and in hard copy format in case of power outages.

Keep important documents easily accessible, including identification, insurance policies, medical information, and emergency contact lists. Consider storing copies in multiple locations and ensure family members know where to find them.

Technology and Emergency Services

Mobile Phone Emergency Features

Modern smartphones include emergency features that can be activated quickly during crises. iPhone users can activate emergency SOS by pressing and holding the side button and volume button, while Android devices typically require pressing the power button multiple times. These features can call emergency services and send location information to emergency contacts.

Ensure your mobile phone is always charged and consider carrying portable chargers or power banks. Program emergency contacts into your phone and ensure location services are enabled for emergency situations.

Alternative Communication Methods

During major emergencies, mobile networks may become congested or unavailable. Consider alternative communication methods such as two-way radios for family communication, and identify local radio stations that provide emergency broadcasts. Keep battery-powered or hand-crank radios available for emergency information.

Social media platforms and emergency alert systems can provide critical information during major incidents. Register for local emergency alert services and follow official emergency service social media accounts for real-time updates.

Emergency Alert and Warning Systems

National Emergency Alert System

Australia operates the Emergency Alert system, which sends text messages to mobile phones within geographical areas affected by emergencies based on either the registered service address of the mobile phone or the last known location of the handset. Emergency Alert messages are sent from the mobile phone number +61 444 444 444 (or 0444 444 444), and these messages are official communications from emergency services, not scams.

The system is used for various emergency situations including bushfires, floods, severe weather events, and other threats to public safety. Messages provide location-specific information about the emergency, its potential impact, and recommended actions for residents in affected areas.

National Messaging System (NMS)

Australia is implementing the National Messaging System (NMS), which will allow emergency services across Australia to send targeted warning messages to compatible mobile phones and other devices in near real time. The NMS is an upcoming Australian cell broadcast emergency population warning system that is expected to replace the current location-targeted, SMS-based Emergency Alert system.

The NMS technology has been adopted by more than 20 countries for emergency warning communications, representing a significant upgrade to Australia’s emergency communication capabilities. This system will provide more precise and immediate warnings to people in affected areas.

Australian Warning System

Australia has implemented a standardised Australian Warning System where warnings provide point-in-time information about hazards impacting or expected to impact communities, describing the impact and expected consequences while including advice on what people should do. The wording, colours and call to action may be different from previous systems as this standardised approach is implemented across Australia.

State and territory emergency services maintain their own warning systems and communication channels, with residents advised to refer to their local emergency service websites for specific information about staying informed during emergencies in their area.

Receiving Emergency Alerts on Mobile Devices

iPhone users can receive emergency, government and public safety alerts directly on their devices during emergencies. Similar capabilities exist for Android devices, ensuring broad coverage across different mobile phone platforms.

Some states offer additional alert services, such as South Australia’s Alert SA system, which allows users to create up to 10 Watch Zones across South Australia in areas important to them to receive location-specific information, with zones extending across state borders to notify users of warnings within 100km.

Disaster Recovery and Financial Assistance

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is a one-off, non-means tested lump sum offering $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who have been adversely affected by a major disaster either in Australia or overseas. This payment provides immediate financial relief to help with essential needs following a disaster.

The Disaster Assist website provides a map and search function to find Local Government Areas which have been declared natural disasters, enabling people in those areas to apply for disaster recovery payments. The website is regularly updated as each state and territory makes disaster declarations.

Disaster Recovery Allowance

Disaster Recovery Allowance is a short-term payment available to help individuals whose income is directly affected by declared natural disasters, with payment amounts depending on individual circumstances and eligibility rules. This allowance provides ongoing financial support during the recovery period when people may be unable to work due to disaster impacts.

State-Based Disaster Recovery Programs

States operate their own disaster recovery programs providing immediate assistance including small cash payments and direct material aid to cover food, clothing, personal items and emergency accommodation, as well as grants for low-income, uninsured households to replace essential household items.

Services Australia coordinates natural disaster support for people directly affected by declared natural disasters, providing various financial support and services to help recovery efforts. These services include both immediate emergency assistance and longer-term recovery support to help individuals and communities rebuild.

Recovery assistance programs are activated following formal disaster declarations and are tailored to the specific needs and impacts of each disaster event. Applications typically have specific timeframes and eligibility criteria that vary depending on the nature and extent of the disaster.

Non-Emergency Services and Support

Community Support Services

Local councils and community organisations provide various non-emergency support services, including welfare checks for elderly residents, community safety programs, and disaster recovery assistance. Many areas have neighbourhood watch programs and community emergency response teams that provide local support during emergencies.

Contact your local council for information about community emergency programs, volunteer opportunities, and local emergency procedures specific to your area.

Utility Emergency Services

Gas, electricity, and water utilities maintain 24-hour emergency services for infrastructure problems. Contact utility companies immediately for gas leaks, downed power lines, electrical emergencies, or major water leaks. Keep utility emergency numbers readily available and never attempt to handle utility emergencies yourself.

Report utility emergencies that pose immediate danger through Triple Zero (000), then contact the relevant utility company to arrange repairs.

Emergency Services for Specific Situations

Marine and Water Emergencies

Water Police and marine rescue services respond to emergencies on waterways, including boating accidents, water rescues, and marine safety incidents. Contact Triple Zero (000) for immediate water emergencies involving injury or life-threatening situations.

For non-emergency marine assistance, many areas have volunteer marine rescue services that can be contacted directly. Boat operators should carry appropriate safety equipment and communication devices for emergency situations.

Aviation Emergencies

Aviation emergencies are handled through air traffic control and specialist aviation rescue and firefighting services located at major airports. Aircraft emergencies automatically trigger coordinated response from multiple emergency services.

For small aircraft or recreational aviation emergencies in remote areas, call Triple Zero (000) and provide precise location information to enable effective search and rescue operations.

Brief Overview of Overseas Emergency Support

Smartraveller and Consular Services

For Australians travelling overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade operates the Smartraveller website, providing travel advisories and emergency assistance information. Australian embassies and consulates provide limited assistance to citizens during overseas emergencies, including helping with lost passports, providing lists of local medical services, and facilitating communication with family.

Travel Insurance Importance

Travel insurance is essential for overseas travel, as Australian emergency services cannot provide assistance outside the country, and medical costs abroad can be substantial. Ensure travel insurance covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation before departing Australia.

Emergency Communication During Language Barriers

Translation Services

Triple Zero does not have translators. Calls from non-English speakers will be transferred to the police in their capital city. For non-English speakers, emergency services will attempt to provide translation assistance through various means, including multilingual police officers in major cities.

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) provides telephone interpreting services that can assist during non-emergency situations requiring communication with government agencies or healthcare providers.

Community Language Support

Many communities maintain volunteer programs to assist non-English speakers during emergencies. Local councils and community centres often provide information about emergency services in multiple languages and can connect residents with appropriate support during crises.

Conclusion

Australia’s emergency services network provides comprehensive coverage for various crisis situations, from life-threatening medical emergencies to natural disasters and crime. Understanding when and how to access these services can save lives and property. The key to effective emergency response lies in preparation: knowing the correct numbers to call, understanding what information to provide, and maintaining emergency supplies and communication plans.

Remember that Triple Zero (000) is for life-threatening emergencies requiring police, fire, or ambulance services, while 132 500 connects you to SES for floods, storms, and natural disaster assistance. Keep these numbers accessible, ensure your family knows how to use them, and maintain updated emergency plans for your household. Regular preparation and awareness of available services ensure you can respond effectively when emergencies arise.