Adelaide

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Emergency Numbers

Overview of important emergency contact numbers for police, ambulance, fire services, and other urgent assistance.

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Emergency Numbers in Adelaide, Australia

1. Primary Emergency Number: 000

The primary emergency number in Adelaide (and across Australia) is 000 (triple zero). This number connects you to the following emergency services:

  • Police
  • Fire and Rescue
  • Ambulance

When to Call 000:

  • Life-threatening situations
  • Serious medical emergencies
  • Fires
  • Crimes in progress
  • Any situation requiring immediate assistance from emergency services

How to Call:

  • Dial 000 from any phone (landline, mobile, or payphone).
  • The call is free of charge.
  • You will be connected to an operator who will ask which service you need (Police, Fire, or Ambulance).
  • Stay calm and provide clear information about your location and the nature of the emergency.

2. Secondary Emergency Number: 112

  • 112 is an international emergency number that works on mobile phones in Australia.
  • It is useful if you are unable to connect to 000 due to network issues.
  • Calls to 112 are also free of charge and will connect you to the same services as 000.

3. Non-Urgent Police Assistance: 131 444

  • For non-urgent police matters, such as reporting a crime that has already occurred or seeking advice, call 131 444.
  • Examples include:
    • Reporting theft or property damage
    • Reporting lost property
    • Noise complaints
  • This number is available 24/7 and is free to call.

4. State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500

  • The SES provides assistance during natural disasters and emergencies, such as:
    • Floods
    • Storm damage
    • Fallen trees
    • Roof damage
  • Call 132 500 for help in these situations. This service is free.

5. Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26

  • For advice on poisoning, overdoses, or exposure to toxic substances, call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26.
  • This service is available 24/7 and is staffed by medical professionals.

6. Health Advice: HealthDirect - 1800 022 222

  • For non-emergency medical advice, you can call HealthDirect at 1800 022 222.
  • This is a free service where registered nurses provide guidance on health concerns.

7. Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National): 131 450

  • If you do not speak English or need assistance communicating during an emergency, you can call 131 450 for the Translating and Interpreting Service.
  • This service can connect you with an interpreter to assist in emergency situations.

Costs Associated with Emergency Services

  • Emergency Calls: All emergency calls (000, 112, etc.) are free of charge.
  • Ambulance Services:
    • Ambulance services in South Australia (including Adelaide) are not free.
    • Costs can be significant, even for short trips, and are based on the distance traveled and the level of care provided.
    • It is highly recommended to have ambulance cover insurance to avoid high fees. Many private health insurance plans include ambulance cover, or you can purchase it separately through providers like SA Ambulance Service.
  • Police and Fire Services: There are no direct costs for police or fire services responding to emergencies.

Procedures to Follow When Making Emergency Calls

  1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and remain as calm as possible.
  2. Dial the Correct Number: Use 000 for emergencies or the relevant number for non-urgent situations.
  3. Provide Your Location: Clearly state your address or location. If you are unsure, describe nearby landmarks or use your phoneโ€™s GPS to provide coordinates.
  4. Explain the Situation: Briefly but clearly describe what is happening.
  5. Follow Instructions: The operator may give you instructions (e.g., performing CPR, evacuating a building). Follow them carefully.
  6. Do Not Hang Up: Stay on the line until the operator tells you it is okay to hang up.

Local Considerations and Advice

  1. Mobile Phone Coverage:

    • In remote areas outside Adelaide, mobile coverage may be limited. However, emergency calls (000 or 112) can connect even if your phone shows no signal, as long as any network is available.
    • If you are traveling to rural or remote areas, consider carrying a satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB) for emergencies.

  2. Emergency Apps:

    • Download the Emergency+ app (available for iOS and Android). This app helps you call emergency services and provides your GPS coordinates to share with operators.
    • The SA Alert app provides real-time updates on emergencies like bushfires, floods, and other hazards in South Australia.

  3. Bushfire Awareness:

    • Adelaide and its surrounding areas are prone to bushfires, especially during the summer months (December to February).
    • Stay informed about fire danger ratings and warnings through the CFS (Country Fire Service) website or app.
    • If you live or travel in bushfire-prone areas, have an emergency plan in place.

  4. Cultural Sensitivity:

    • Emergency services in Adelaide are professional and inclusive. Do not hesitate to call for help, regardless of your background or immigration status.
    • If you are unsure about your English proficiency, use the Translating and Interpreting Service (131 450) to communicate effectively.

  5. Emergency Preparedness:

    • Familiarize yourself with the location of hospitals, police stations, and fire stations near your residence.
    • Keep a list of emergency numbers saved in your phone and written down in an accessible place.

Key Emergency Numbers Summary

| Service | Number | Purpose | |----------------------------------|------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Police, Fire, Ambulance (Emergency) | 000 | Life-threatening emergencies | | Police (Non-Urgent) | 131 444 | Reporting non-urgent crimes or incidents | | State Emergency Service (SES) | 132 500 | Assistance during floods, storms, or natural disasters | | Poisons Information Centre | 13 11 26 | Advice on poisoning or toxic exposure | | HealthDirect | 1800 022 222 | Non-emergency medical advice | | Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) | 131 450 | Language assistance during emergencies |

By keeping this information handy and understanding how to use Adelaideโ€™s emergency services, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to handle any situation that arises. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!