Sydney

Emergency Numbers in Sydney, Australia

1. Main Emergency Number: 000

• Purpose: This is the primary emergency number in Australia for all life-threatening emergencies.
• Services Covered:
  • Police: For crimes in progress, threats to safety, or other law enforcement emergencies.
  • Fire: For fires, explosions, or hazardous material incidents.
  • Ambulance: For medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.
• How to Call:
  • Dial 000 from any landline, mobile phone, or payphone.
  • The call is free of charge.
• Language Support:
  • Translators are available for non-English speakers. When you call, inform the operator of your preferred language, and they will connect you to an interpreter.
• Tips:
  • Stay calm and clearly state the type of emergency (e.g., "I need an ambulance").
  • Provide your location as precisely as possible, including landmarks if you’re unsure of the address.

2. Secondary Emergency Number: 112

• Purpose: This is an international emergency number that works on mobile phones in Australia. It redirects to the same services as 000.
• When to Use:
  • If you are unable to connect to 000 for any reason.
  • If you are using a mobile phone and are outside your network coverage area (112 will connect to any available network).
• Cost: Free of charge.

3. Non-Urgent Police Assistance: 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.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• Language Support: Translators are available upon request.

4. Health Advice Line: 1800 022 222 (Healthdirect)

• Purpose: For non-emergency medical advice and assistance.
• Availability: 24/7.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• Language Support: Translators are available.

5. Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26

• Purpose: For advice on poisoning, drug overdoses, or chemical exposure.
• Availability: 24/7.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• Language Support: Translators are available.

6. State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500

• Purpose: For assistance during natural disasters or severe weather events (e.g., floods, storms, fallen trees).
• Availability: 24/7.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• Language Support: Translators are available.

7. Lifeline: 13 11 14

• Purpose: For mental health crises or emotional support.
• Availability: 24/7.
• Cost: Free of charge.
• Language Support: Translators are available.

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Key Considerations for Visitors and Immigrants

1. Accessibility

• Emergency numbers (000 and 112) can be dialed from any phone, even if the phone is locked or has no credit.
• Payphones in Australia are free for emergency calls.

2. Language Support

• Australia is a multicultural country, and emergency services are equipped to handle calls in multiple languages.
• When calling, state your preferred language, and the operator will connect you to an interpreter.

3. Emergency Apps

• Consider downloading the Emergency+ app (available on iOS and Android). This app:
  • Provides quick access to emergency numbers.
  • Uses GPS to help you provide your exact location to emergency services.

4. Costs

• All emergency calls are free of charge, regardless of the phone type or network provider.
• Ambulance services, however, may incur a fee depending on the situation and your residency status:
  • Visitors: Check if your travel insurance covers ambulance services.
  • Residents: Ambulance fees vary by state, but some health insurance plans cover these costs.

5. Mobile Network Coverage

• If you are in a remote area with no mobile signal, try dialing 112 instead of 000. It will connect to any available network, even if it’s not your provider.

6. Cultural Sensitivity

• Emergency operators are trained to handle calls from people of diverse cultural backgrounds. Don’t hesitate to call if you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency—they will guide you.

7. Emergency Preparedness

• Familiarize yourself with your local area, including the nearest hospital, police station, and fire station.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers saved in your phone and written down in case your phone battery dies.

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Summary Table of Emergency Numbers

| Service | Number | Cost | Language Support | Availability | |------------------------------|--------------|----------------|-----------------------|------------------| | Police/Fire/Ambulance | 000 | Free | Yes | 24/7 | | Mobile Emergency (Alt) | 112 | Free | Yes | 24/7 | | Non-Urgent Police Assistance | 131 444 | Free | Yes | 24/7 | | Health Advice Line | 1800 022 222 | Free | Yes | 24/7 | | Poisons Information Centre | 13 11 26 | Free | Yes | 24/7 | | State Emergency Service | 132 500 | Free | Yes | 24/7 | | Lifeline (Mental Health) | 13 11 14 | Free | Yes | 24/7 |

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By keeping this information handy, you’ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies during your time in Sydney. If you have further questions or need additional guidance, feel free to ask!