Knowing which national number to call in a particular situation can be tricky.
Triple Zero (000) is intended for emergency calls only. It should only be used in genuine emergencies. This ensures the lines are kept free and that emergency resources are available to respond as quickly as possible.
You should only call Triple Zero (000) if:
• someone is seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help
• your life or property is being threatened
• you just witnessed a serious accident or crime.
There a few simple steps to take when making a Triple Zero (000) call:
• Stay calm and call Triple Zero (000) from a safe location.
• A Telstra operator will ask you if you need Police, Fire or Ambulance. Say the service that you require. If you are calling using a mobile or satellite phone the operator will ask you for other location information.
• You will then be connected to an emergency service operator, who will take details of the situation.
• Stay on the line, speak clearly and answer the operator’s questions.
• Give the nominated emergency service operator the details of where you are, including street number, name, nearest cross street, and locality. In rural areas it is important to give the full address and distances from landmarks and roads, not just the name of the property.
• Don’t hang up until the operator has all the information they need.
• If possible wait outside at a prearranged meeting point or in a prominent location for emergency services to arrive to assist them to locate the emergency.
• If you make a Triple Zero (000) call whilst travelling on a Motorway or on a rural road, identifying the direction you are travelling and the last exit or town you passed through will assist emergency services to correctly locate the incident.
Callers who are deaf or have a speech or hearing impairment can call the One Zero Six (106) text-based emergency call service using a textphone.
If you need emergency help during floods and storms, you can call the State Emergency Service on 132 500.
When a situation isn’t an emergency, there are other trustworthy national numbers available to assist and connect you to the services you need in a timely matter.
Call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 if you’re a victim of a crime, other than life threatening or time critical emergency situations. This service is not available in Victoria, where you should call your local police station instead.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to provide crime information. Your call can be anonymous.
Make sure you’re prepared for an emergency by keeping these numbers beside your phones at home and work, and stored in your mobile phone.
Spread the word to your friends and family, and teach children and overseas visitors that the emergency number to call in Australia is Triple Zero (000).
Knowing how to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency can be the difference between life and death.
The Triple Zero (000) service is the quickest way to get the right emergency service to help you.
It should be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance service in life threatening or emergency situations.
Calls to Triple Zero (000) are free and can be made from mobile phones, home or work phones or pay phones.
For more information go to www.triplezero.gov.au
