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Call triple zero (000) In an emergency in Australia for ambulance, fire or police services. People with a hearing or speech impediment can use the text-based emergency services network by dialling 106 on a teletypewriter (TTY). The 106 service does not accept voice calls.
Emergency – ambulance, fire, police
Tel. Call triple zero (000) 24 hours, 7 days a week
In an emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance, the fire brigade or the police. The operator may be able to offer help over the phone until emergency service staff arrive.
When you call triple zero (000), tell the operator which service you need – ambulance, fire or police. Be prepared to answer the following questions:
- What is the exact location of the emergency?
- What is your call-back number?
- What has happened?
- How many people are hurt?
- If someone is hurt, how old is the patient?
- Is the patient conscious?
- Is the patient breathing?
People with a hearing or speech impediment can use the text-based emergency services network by dialling 106 on a teletypewriter (TTY). The 106 service does not accept voice calls.
Dialling from a mobile phone
If you are using a GSM (global system mobile communications) mobile phone, call triple zero (000) first. Any mobile or sim card produced after 2003 will connect you to an operator, even if you are out of credit or out of range of your normal service provider.
Remember that if there is no mobile coverage at all, you will not be able to call emergency assistance from a mobile phone.
If your mobile phone was purchased before 2003 and is out of credit or out of range of your normal network, call 112. This will connect you directly to emergency services if you are within range of another GSM operator, even if the phone keypad is locked.
Travelling overseas
As GSM is an international standard, you can also dial 112 if you are calling internationally in order to be connected to the local emergency call service. 112 cannot be dialled from the fixed network.
Dialling from a VoIP service
If you are using a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service, it is important to know that some VoIP providers are unable to provide access to emergency calls. Check with your VoIP provider about the ability to have access to emergency calls.
Emergency services can have difficulty identifying the location of calls made using a VoIP service. When making an emergency call, it may be necessary to provide information about your specific location to the operator. It is also important to note that as VoIP services depend on internet access.
The quality of service through some broadband connections can vary and this may affect the ability of emergency service operators to be able to communicate with you clearly. If there is a power outage affecting the power supply to your computer, the VoIP service will be unavailable for you to make an emergency call. This includes calls to emergency services on triple zero (000).
You might also be interested in:
- Bleeding.
- Burns.
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Chest pain.
- Choking.
- Choking - children.
- Drug overdose.
- Heart attack.
- Hypothermia.
- Bites and stings - first aid.
- Electric shock.
- Motor vehicle accidents.
- Sexual assault.
- Shock.
- Stroke - signs and symptoms.
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The Better Health Channel
Last reviewed: March 2012
Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.
Call triple zero (000) In an emergency in Australia for ambulance, fire or police services. People with a hearing or speech impediment can use the text-based emergency services network by dialling 106 on a teletypewriter (TTY). The 106 service does not accept voice calls.
Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.
For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Copyight © 1999/2013 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
