Perth

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Emergency Services

Information about police, fire services, and ambulance services in Perth, including emergency contact mechanisms.

Sections

1. Emergency Contact Numbers in Perth

In Australia, there is a universal emergency number for all critical situations:

  • 000 (Triple Zero): This is the primary emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services. It is free to call from any phone, including mobile phones, landlines, and payphones.

For non-urgent situations:

  • Police Assistance Line (Non-Emergency): 131 444
    • Use this number for non-urgent police matters, such as reporting a minor crime or seeking advice.
  • State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500
    • For assistance during natural disasters (e.g., floods, storms, or earthquakes).

For hearing or speech impairments:

  • National Relay Service (NRS): 106
    • This is a text-based emergency service for people with hearing or speech difficulties.

For international visitors:

  • If you are unable to dial 000, you can also call 112 from a mobile phone, which redirects to emergency services.

2. Police Services in Perth

The police in Perth are managed by the Western Australia Police Force, which is responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and ensuring public safety.

Key Details:

  • Emergency Situations: Dial 000 for immediate police assistance in life-threatening or urgent situations (e.g., crimes in progress, assaults, or accidents).
  • Non-Urgent Situations: Dial 131 444 for reporting minor incidents such as theft, property damage, or lost items.
  • Local Police Stations: Perth has numerous police stations across the metropolitan area. You can locate the nearest station via the WA Police website or by calling the non-emergency line.

Special Considerations for Visitors and Immigrants:

  • Police in Australia are approachable and professional. If you are a visitor or immigrant, do not hesitate to contact them for help or advice.
  • If you do not speak English fluently, interpreters can be arranged through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) by calling 131 450.
  • Always carry identification (e.g., passport or visa) when interacting with police, as they may request it.

3. Fire Services in Perth

Fire emergencies in Perth are handled by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). They respond to fires, hazardous material incidents, and rescue operations.

Key Details:

  • Emergency Situations: Dial 000 to report fires, chemical spills, or other hazardous situations.
  • Fire Safety: Perth is prone to bushfires, especially during the hot, dry summer months (December to February). Visitors and immigrants should familiarize themselves with bushfire safety protocols, including evacuation routes and fire danger ratings.
  • Smoke Alarms: By law, all residential properties in Western Australia must have working smoke alarms. If you are renting accommodation, ensure these are installed and functional.

Special Considerations:

  • If you are in a bushfire-prone area, download the Emergency WA app or visit the Emergency WA website (emergency.wa.gov.au) for real-time updates on fire warnings and alerts.
  • Avoid lighting open fires or barbecues in restricted areas, especially during total fire bans.

4. Ambulance Services in Perth

Ambulance services in Perth are provided by St John Ambulance Western Australia, a trusted organization that offers emergency medical care and patient transport.

Key Details:

  • Emergency Situations: Dial 000 for life-threatening medical emergencies (e.g., heart attacks, severe injuries, or unconsciousness).
  • Non-Emergency Transport: St John Ambulance also provides non-emergency patient transport services, which can be booked by calling 13 12 33.
  • First Aid: St John Ambulance offers first aid training and kits, which can be useful for visitors and immigrants.

Costs:

  • Ambulance services in Western Australia are not free. Costs can vary depending on the type of service provided:
    • Emergency ambulance call-out: Approximately $1,000 AUD or more.
    • Non-emergency transport: Costs depend on distance and service type.
  • Health Insurance: Visitors and immigrants are strongly advised to have health insurance that covers ambulance services. If you are on a visa, check whether your Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) includes ambulance coverage.

Special Considerations:

  • If you cannot afford ambulance fees, you may be eligible for financial assistance. Contact St John Ambulance for more information.
  • For minor injuries or illnesses, consider visiting a local General Practitioner (GP) or hospital emergency department to avoid high ambulance costs.

5. Procedures for Seeking Assistance

When calling 000, follow these steps:

  1. State the Emergency Service You Need: When the operator answers, say "Police," "Fire," or "Ambulance."
  2. Provide Your Location: Clearly state your address or location. If you are unsure, provide landmarks or use your phoneโ€™s GPS.
  3. Describe the Emergency: Give a brief but clear description of the situation.
  4. Stay on the Line: Follow the operatorโ€™s instructions and remain on the line until help arrives.

6. Special Considerations for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Language Barriers: If English is not your first language, you can request an interpreter when calling 000. The operator will connect you to a translator to assist with communication.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Emergency services personnel in Perth are trained to handle diverse cultural backgrounds. Do not hesitate to seek help, regardless of your immigration status.
  • Mobile Phones: Ensure your mobile phone is charged and has credit. Even without credit, you can still call 000.
  • Emergency Apps: Download apps like Emergency+ (a free app that provides your GPS location to emergency services) and Emergency WA for real-time updates on incidents.

7. Additional Resources

  • Hospitals: Perth has several public and private hospitals with emergency departments, including:
    • Royal Perth Hospital (Public)
    • Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Public)
    • St John of God Subiaco Hospital (Private)
  • Pharmacies: Many pharmacies in Perth operate late or 24/7 for minor medical needs.
  • Consulates: If you are a foreign visitor, locate your countryโ€™s consulate in Perth for additional support in emergencies.

8. Summary

Perthโ€™s emergency services are reliable, professional, and accessible to everyone, including visitors and immigrants. Remember the following key points:

  • Dial 000 for police, fire, or ambulance emergencies.
  • Be aware of potential costs for ambulance services and ensure you have appropriate insurance.
  • Familiarize yourself with local risks, such as bushfires, and take precautions.
  • Use resources like the Emergency+ app and TIS National for added support.

By understanding how to access and use these services, you can ensure your safety and well-being while in Perth.