Gold Coast

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Emergency Services

Key information about emergency phone numbers and services like police, fire, and ambulance.

Sections

1. Types of Emergency Services

a. Police Services

  • Role: The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and ensuring public safety.
  • Contact Information:
    • Emergency (Life-threatening situations): Dial 000.
    • Non-urgent police assistance: Dial 131 444.
    • Crime Stoppers (to report a crime anonymously): Dial 1800 333 000 or visit Crime Stoppers Queensland.
  • Local Police Stations: The Gold Coast has several police stations, including in Southport, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach. You can find the nearest station via the Queensland Police Service website.

b. Fire and Rescue Services

  • Role: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) handle fire emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and rescue operations.
  • Contact Information:
    • Emergency (Fire or rescue): Dial 000.
    • Non-urgent inquiries: Contact your local fire station or visit the QFES website.
  • Fire Safety Tip: Smoke alarms are mandatory in all homes in Queensland. Ensure your accommodation complies with fire safety regulations.

c. Ambulance Services

  • Role: The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) provides pre-hospital medical care and emergency transport.
  • Contact Information:
    • Emergency (Medical emergencies): Dial 000.
    • Non-urgent medical transport: Dial 13 12 33.
  • Ambulance Fees:
    • Queensland residents are covered for ambulance services anywhere in Australia through a state-funded scheme.
    • Visitors (interstate or international) may incur fees unless covered by private health insurance or travel insurance. Costs can range from AUD 400 to AUD 1,200 depending on the service provided.

d. State Emergency Services (SES)

  • Role: The SES provides assistance during natural disasters (e.g., floods, storms, cyclones) and other emergencies like search and rescue.
  • Contact Information:
    • For SES assistance (non-life-threatening emergencies): Dial 132 500.
    • Visit the SES Queensland website for more information.

2. How to Access Emergency Services

a. Dialing Emergency Numbers

  • The universal emergency number in Australia is 000. This connects you to police, fire, or ambulance services.
  • When calling, be prepared to provide:
    • Your location (address or nearest landmark).
    • The nature of the emergency.
    • Your contact details (if required).

b. Using Mobile Phones

  • If you are unable to dial 000, you can use 112 (an international emergency number) on mobile phones.
  • If you are in a remote area with no mobile signal, try 000 as it can connect via any available network.

c. Language Assistance

  • If you do not speak English, emergency operators can connect you to a translator. Simply state your language when the operator answers.

d. Access for Visitors

  • Visitors can access emergency services in the same way as locals. However, ensure you have travel insurance to cover potential costs, especially for ambulance services.

3. Associated Costs for Emergency Services

a. Police and Fire Services

  • Police and fire services are free for emergencies. However, fines or penalties may apply for false alarms or misuse of services.

b. Ambulance Services

  • Queensland Residents: Ambulance services are free for all Queensland residents, funded by the state government.
  • Visitors: Ambulance services are not free for interstate or international visitors. Ensure you have private health insurance or travel insurance to cover these costs.

c. SES Services

  • SES assistance is free, but donations are encouraged to support their volunteer-based operations.

4. Important Local Considerations

a. Natural Disasters

  • The Gold Coast is prone to natural disasters such as storms, floods, and bushfires, especially during the summer months (November to April). Stay informed by:
    • Downloading the "Emergency+ App" for quick access to emergency numbers and your GPS location.
    • Monitoring weather updates via the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website (www.bom.gov.au).

b. Beach and Water Safety

  • The Gold Coast is famous for its beaches, but they can be dangerous due to strong currents and rips.
    • Always swim between the red and yellow flags, which indicate patrolled areas.
    • For emergencies at the beach, contact Surf Life Saving Queensland or dial 000.

c. Wildlife and Environmental Hazards

  • Be cautious of wildlife such as snakes, spiders, and marine stingers. For bites or stings, call 000 or seek medical attention immediately.

d. Emergency Preparedness

  • Save emergency numbers in your phone.
  • Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and emergency assembly points in your area.

5. Additional Resources

  • Gold Coast University Hospital (for medical emergencies):
    • Address: 1 Hospital Blvd, Southport QLD 4215
    • Phone: 1300 744 284
    • Website: Gold Coast Health
  • Poisons Information Centre:
    • Phone: 13 11 26 (24/7 advice on poisoning or toxic substances).
  • Lifeline Australia (for mental health crises):
    • Phone: 13 11 14.

6. Summary of Key Emergency Numbers

| Service | Number | |--------------------------|----------| | Police, Fire, Ambulance | 000 | | SES (Floods/Storms) | 132 500 | | Non-urgent Police | 131 444 | | Crime Stoppers | 1800 333 000 | | Poisons Information | 13 11 26 | | Lifeline (Mental Health) | 13 11 14 |

By understanding and preparing for emergencies, you can ensure your safety and well-being while living in or visiting the Gold Coast. Always prioritize your safety and donโ€™t hesitate to call for help when needed.