Emergency Services in Australia

The emergency telephone number in Australia is 000, that's zero-zero-zero... It's not 911 (which is the United States' emergency number) and it's not 999 (which is the one used in the United Kingdom). Here in Sydney, and everywhere else within Australia, the emergency telephone number is three-zeros, that's 000.

If you need to telephone for Police, Fire or Ambulance in Australia, you will first hear a recording telling you you have dialled the emergency number. It gives you a chance to hang up, in case you have dialled by accident. Stay on the line, the message is designed to cut the number of crank calls received. (Too many young Aussies are so immature they think it's fun to make malicious false emergency calls.)

Stay on the line, and answer the questions put to you by the emergency operator. They will ask you 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 operator will also want to know the nearest cross-street (road junction) to your location. This is so they can it quickly on a street map.

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.

NB: To discourage prank callers calls to 'Triple-Oh' line (000) are now answered by a machine which asks you whether or not you're really sure you've got a real emergency... Just grit your teeth and go through the screening procedure, which is designed to cut down on the large number of prank calls put out each year by stupid young Aussie men with a few beers under their belt. (Personally, I believe they'd be better off with a good old-fashioned flogging with the cane, like the the authorities do in Singapore or Malaysia.)