An emergency ambulance in Sydney Australia
The emergency telephone number in Australia is 000, that’s zero-zero-zero… Most cellphones these days (mobile phones) allow you to dial 112 and reach the local emergency services.
Dialing 911 does not work in Australia. That is the United States’ emergency number, and we are not part of the USA. In Sydney, and everywhere else around Australia, the emergency telephone number is three-zeros, or triple-zero. That’s 000. Many Aussies still talk about dialing triple-oh for an emergency, but triple-zero is the correct terminology for our emergency phone number.
In Australia, dial Zero-Zero-Zero for emergency help
So when you dial 000 for Police, Fire or Ambulance in Sydney, or any place else in Australia, you will first hear a recording telling you you have dialled the emergency number. This gives you a chance to hang up, in case you have dialled by accident. Stay on the line if you need help, because the message is designed to reduce the number of crank calls received. Too many young Aussies are so immature they think it’s fun to make malicious false emergency calls.
Please stay on the line and answer the questions put to you by the emergency operator. They will ask you where you are and whether you want Police, Fire or Ambulance service. If anybody is injured, ask for an Ambulance first. (They will call the Police or Fire as well if they are needed.)
The operator will want to know what State in Australia you are in. (Anywhere around Sydney, you’ll be in New South Wales.) The operator, who could be in another state, even, will then ask you what Town or City you are in, and what Suburb.
The next stage is to drill down to the street and house number you are at, such as 123 Main Street. If you’re inside a multi floor building, state the room or flat number and what floor you are on. The emergency operator will usually want to know the nearest cross-street (road junction) to your location. This is so they can reach it quickly on a street map or a GPS (satellite navigator).
There is no charge for Police or Fire Brigades to attend a genuine emergency. But Ambulance Services and medical treatment will cost you, unless you have the right medical insurance cover. Even an Australian Medicare Card does not pay for an Ambulance ride. Get your cover before you get here, and be glad if you never need it.
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