Accidents and Emergencies in Australia
Unfortunately, sometimes the worst can happen when we are traveling or living in a new country, and it is very important to be familiar with the emergency services wherever you find yourself. Luckily, Australia has robust emergency services systems in place, so if something does happen, help shouldn't be too far away.
Different types of emergency services in Australia
Emergency services in Australia are provided by both state and territory governments. These include police, fire, and ambulance services, as well as the State Emergency Service (SES) and other specialist services.
Who to call in case of an emergency in Australia?
The emergency number in Australia is 000. This number will connect you with the appropriate emergency service, depending on the situation – you can use this number to request an ambulance, police, or fire services. For non-urgent situations, you can also call your local police station or hospital.
Good to know:
Sometimes well-known emergency numbers from other regions (e.g., 111 or 999) divert to the local emergency number, but in Australia, emergency numbers from elsewhere will not divert to emergency services. There are, however, other emergency numbers that will work, like 112 and 106. 112 is the international emergency number and is generally available on most mobile phones. The number 106 connects to the text-based service for people who have a hearing/speech impairment. All calls to the emergency numbers, whether from landlines or mobile phones, are free of charge.
Ambulance services
Ambulance services in Australia are provided by the state and territory governments and are typically free of charge for residents of each state or territory. However, for non-residents and visitors, fees may apply depending on your specific circumstances. You are advised to investigate the ambulance service in the area you will be visiting and to review your international health insurance coverage to see if it includes ambulance services.
In Australia, ambulances typically take patients to the nearest appropriate medical facility for their condition, where medical professionals can determine the best treatment. The specific destination can vary depending on the emergency and the availability of treatment in that location, whether it is a nearby hospital, clinic, or specialized trauma center.
Police
Each state and territory has its own police force, and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) is responsible for police services at a nationwide level.
Fire services
We all know Australia is famous for its bushfires. The combination of dry climates, huge tracts of arid land, and the very flammable eucalyptus trees, unfortunately, keep firefighters in Australia busier than firefighters elsewhere in the world. As with the police, fire services are organized at the state and territory level rather than nationwide. As well as responding to fires, road accidents, and other emergencies, fire services in Australia also do a lot of community education and outreach to educate citizens about fire safety and preparedness. Actions that might be acceptable in your country (campfires, smoking, etc.) can have huge consequences in Australia, so it is a good idea to educate yourself on Australian protocol. The bushfire season (November to March) often involves massive bushfire outbreaks, and fire services across the country work tirelessly to manage and contain fires, often with help from volunteer firefighters and emergency services from other states.
Natural disasters in Australia
Unfortunately, climate change has led to an increase in natural disasters and extreme weather events, and Australia has suffered its fair share of bushfires and flooding. It's important to be tuned in to local news when visiting Australia so that you can keep on top of any weather alerts issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). Advice on how to respond will be provided via emergency services updates on local media channels.
Disaster preparedness
Of course, we can't prepare for everything but something that emergency services stress in Australia is the importance of having an evacuation plan in place in case of an emergency. This can include things like knowing the best evacuation route, preparing a bag with essential items, stocking up on canned goods and bottled water, cooking gas, candles, and batteries, and having the means to remain informed about the situation.
What to do if you experience a medical emergency or accident in Australia
If the worst happens and you or someone you are with has an accident or is in need of medical assistance in Australia, the first thing to do is to assess how severe the situation is. A sprained wrist requires a different response to a shattered pelvis, and in some cases getting yourself to an emergency department or clinic may be a better response than calling 000. However, if you are in an emergency, the first thing to do is to contact the emergency services or have someone nearby contact them.
Once contact has been made, you will need to clearly explain the situation so it is good to know exactly where you are and be able to provide identifying information and important medical history if needed. You will then be guided by the operator on how to proceed, whether to administer first aid, move from your current location, or wait for help. The variety of emergencies and accidents is enormous, so the response varies from situation to situation.
Always cooperate with the operators, paramedics, and first responders. Australia has an excellent healthcare system and very competent emergency services. If the worst does happen, you will be in safe hands.
Cost of emergency care for expats
For expats in Oz, the cost of using the emergency services can vary depending on your visa and residency status and the specific circumstances of the emergency. Australia has a universal healthcare system known as Medicare. Still, they do not necessarily cover all costs, and there may be out-of-pocket expenses for certain medical treatments, medications, and ambulance services, especially if you are not a resident.
Having an extensive health insurance policy is important so when purchasing cover, make sure to thoroughly read the clauses related to accidents and emergencies. Do your research and confirm with providers whether you will be covered in the event of an emergency or accident.
