Melbourne

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Emergency Contacts

Important emergency numbers and communication protocols to know while in Melbourne.

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Emergency Contacts in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, like the rest of Australia, has a well-organized and efficient emergency response system. Hereโ€™s a breakdown of the key emergency and support services available:

1. Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)

  • Phone Number: 000 (Triple Zero)
  • Purpose: This is the primary emergency number for life-threatening situations or immediate danger.
  • Services Covered:
    • Police: For crimes in progress, threats to safety, or immediate law enforcement assistance.
    • Fire Brigade: For fires, smoke, or hazardous material incidents.
    • Ambulance: For medical emergencies requiring urgent attention.

How to Call:

  1. Dial 000 from any phone (landline, mobile, or payphone).
  2. An operator will ask, "Police, Fire, or Ambulance?" Clearly state the service you need.
  3. Provide your location and a brief description of the emergency.
  4. Stay on the line until the operator advises you to hang up.

Costs:

  • Police and Fire Services: Free of charge.
  • Ambulance Services: Ambulance services are not free in Australia. Costs can range from AUD 500 to over AUD 5,000 depending on the distance and type of care provided. It is highly recommended to have ambulance cover insurance or private health insurance that includes ambulance services.

Cultural Considerations:

  • Operators are trained to handle calls in English, but translation services are available (see below for details).
  • Be concise and clear when describing the emergency.
  • If you are unsure which service to request, explain the situation, and the operator will guide you.

2. Non-Emergency Police Assistance

  • Phone Number: 131 444
  • Purpose: For non-urgent police matters, such as reporting a crime that has already occurred (e.g., theft, property damage) or seeking advice.
  • Availability: 24/7.

Costs:

  • Free to call.

Cultural Considerations:

  • Use this number for non-urgent situations to avoid overloading the emergency line (000).
  • Police in Melbourne are approachable and trained to assist people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

3. State Emergency Service (SES)

  • Phone Number: 132 500
  • Purpose: For assistance during natural disasters or severe weather events, such as floods, storms, or fallen trees.
  • Availability: 24/7.

Costs:

  • Free to call.

Cultural Considerations:

  • The SES is a volunteer-based service, and they are highly regarded for their community support during emergencies.

4. Poison Information Centre

  • Phone Number: 13 11 26
  • Purpose: For advice on poisoning, drug overdoses, or exposure to toxic substances.
  • Availability: 24/7.

Costs:

  • Free to call.

Cultural Considerations:

  • The service provides expert medical advice and can guide you on whether further medical attention is required.

5. Translation and Interpreting Service (TIS National)

  • Phone Number: 131 450
  • Purpose: Provides access to interpreters in over 160 languages for non-English speakers.
  • Availability: 24/7.

Costs:

  • Free for emergency services (e.g., police, fire, ambulance).
  • For other uses, fees may apply unless the service is government-funded.

Cultural Considerations:

  • If you need an interpreter when calling 000, inform the operator, and they will connect you to TIS National.

6. Mental Health Support

Lifeline Australia

  • Phone Number: 13 11 14
  • Purpose: Crisis support and suicide prevention.
  • Availability: 24/7.

Beyond Blue

  • Phone Number: 1300 22 4636
  • Purpose: Support for anxiety, depression, and mental health concerns.
  • Availability: 24/7.

Costs:

  • Free to call.

Cultural Considerations:

  • Both services are confidential and non-judgmental.
  • They cater to people from all cultural backgrounds and can provide support in a culturally sensitive manner.

7. Health Advice (Non-Emergency)

Nurse-On-Call

  • Phone Number: 1300 60 60 24
  • Purpose: For non-urgent medical advice from a registered nurse.
  • Availability: 24/7.

Costs:

  • Free to call.

Cultural Considerations:

  • This service is ideal for minor health concerns or when you are unsure whether to visit a doctor or hospital.

8. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Support

1800RESPECT

  • Phone Number: 1800 737 732
  • Purpose: Support for individuals experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault.
  • Availability: 24/7.

Costs:

  • Free to call.

Cultural Considerations:

  • Services are confidential and sensitive to cultural and linguistic needs.
  • Translators can be arranged if required.

9. Roadside Assistance

RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance

  • Phone Number: 13 11 11
  • Purpose: For vehicle breakdowns or roadside emergencies.
  • Availability: 24/7.

Costs:

  • Membership or service fees apply.

Cultural Considerations:

  • Ensure you have your membership details or vehicle information ready when calling.

10. General Information and Support

Victorian Government Coronavirus Hotline

  • Phone Number: 1800 675 398
  • Purpose: For COVID-19-related information and support.
  • Availability: 24/7.

Costs:

  • Free to call.

Cultural Considerations:

  • Translators are available for non-English speakers.

Key Tips for Using Emergency Services in Melbourne

  1. Know Your Location: Always provide your exact address or landmarks to help responders locate you quickly.
  2. Stay Calm: Speak clearly and remain calm to ensure the operator understands your situation.
  3. Use the Right Number: Reserve 000 for emergencies only. Use non-emergency numbers for less urgent matters.
  4. Language Support: If English is not your first language, request an interpreter when calling emergency services.
  5. Cultural Sensitivity: Melbourne is a multicultural city, and emergency services are trained to respect and accommodate diverse cultural needs.

By familiarizing yourself with these services and their procedures, you can feel confident navigating emergencies and accessing support while in Melbourne.