Canberra

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Emergency Services Contact

Details on how to contact emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) and other important hotlines.

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Emergency Services Contact in Canberra, Australia

In Canberra, as in the rest of Australia, emergency services are well-organized and accessible. The country has a centralized emergency number system, and services are designed to respond quickly and efficiently to a wide range of emergencies.

1. Key Emergency Numbers

a. Triple Zero (000) โ€“ National Emergency Number

  • Purpose: This is the primary emergency number in Australia for life-threatening situations.
  • Services Covered:
    • Police
    • Ambulance
    • Fire Brigade
  • How to Use:
    1. Dial 000 from any phone (landline, mobile, or payphone).
    2. An operator will ask, "Emergency. Police, Fire, or Ambulance?"
    3. Clearly state the service you need.
    4. Provide your location and details of the emergency.
  • Cost: Free of charge.
  • Accessibility: Available 24/7. Works even if you have no credit on your mobile phone or if your phone is locked.

b. 112 โ€“ International Emergency Number

  • Purpose: This number works on mobile phones and redirects to 000 in Australia.
  • Use Case: If you're using an international mobile phone or are unsure of the local emergency number, dial 112.

c. 106 โ€“ Text-Based Emergency Service

  • Purpose: A text-based service for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired.
  • How to Use: Use a TTY (teletypewriter) to contact emergency services.

2. Non-Emergency Numbers

a. Police Assistance Line (131 444)

  • Purpose: For non-urgent police matters, such as reporting theft, property damage, or lost items.
  • Availability: 24/7.
  • Cost: Free.

b. Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000)

  • Purpose: To report crime anonymously or provide information about criminal activity.
  • Availability: 24/7.
  • Cost: Free.

c. Health Direct (1800 022 222)

  • Purpose: For non-urgent medical advice and assistance.
  • Availability: 24/7.
  • Cost: Free.

d. State Emergency Service (SES) (132 500)

  • Purpose: For assistance during natural disasters such as floods, storms, or other weather-related emergencies.
  • Availability: 24/7.
  • Cost: Free.

e. Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26)

  • Purpose: For advice on poisoning, drug overdoses, or chemical exposure.
  • Availability: 24/7.
  • Cost: Free.

3. Procedures for Contacting Emergency Services

  • Stay Calm: Speak clearly and provide concise information.
  • Know Your Location: Provide the exact address or landmarks nearby. If youโ€™re unsure, describe your surroundings.
  • Follow Instructions: The operator may ask you to stay on the line or perform specific actions until help arrives.
  • Language Assistance: If you donโ€™t speak English, tell the operator your language, and they will connect you to an interpreter.

4. Costs Involved

  • Emergency Services: Calling 000 is free, but some services may incur costs:
    • Ambulance Services: Ambulance transport is not free in Australia. Costs vary depending on the distance and type of care provided. Visitors are advised to have travel insurance that covers ambulance services.
    • Fire Services: Fire response is free for emergencies, but false alarms (e.g., triggered by cooking smoke) may result in a fine.
    • Police Services: Police assistance is free unless fines or penalties are issued for legal violations.

5. Local and Cultural Considerations

a. Respect for Emergency Services

  • Emergency services in Australia are highly professional and respected. Misusing or prank-calling emergency numbers is illegal and can result in heavy fines or imprisonment.

b. Ambulance Insurance

  • Ambulance services are not covered by Medicare (Australiaโ€™s public healthcare system) in most states, including the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Visitors and immigrants should ensure they have private health insurance or travel insurance that includes ambulance coverage.

c. Bushfire Awareness

  • Canberra is located in a bushfire-prone area. During the summer months (December to February), stay informed about fire danger ratings and follow instructions from emergency services. Download the Fires Near Me app for real-time updates.

d. Extreme Weather Events

  • Canberra can experience severe storms and hail. The SES (132 500) is the go-to service for assistance during such events.

e. Mental Health Support

  • For mental health crises, you can contact:
    • Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support).
    • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (mental health support and resources).

f. Road Safety

  • In case of a road accident, call 000 for emergencies or 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance. Always carry your driverโ€™s license and insurance details.

6. Additional Resources

  • Emergency+ App: Download the Emergency+ app, which uses GPS to provide your exact location to emergency services when you call 000.
  • Canberra Connect: For general information and local services, call 13 22 81.

Summary

  • 000 is the primary emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services in Canberra.
  • Non-urgent matters can be directed to specific helplines like 131 444 (police) or 132 500 (SES).
  • Ambulance services are not free, so ensure you have insurance coverage.
  • Be aware of local risks like bushfires and extreme weather, and follow emergency service instructions.
  • Misuse of emergency services is taken seriously and can result in penalties.

By familiarizing yourself with these services and procedures, you can ensure your safety and well-being while living in or visiting Canberra.