Dunedin

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Emergency Services

Overview of emergency healthcare services and resources available in Dunedin.

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Emergency Services in Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin, located in the Otago region of New Zealand, has a well-organized and efficient emergency services system. These services are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike. Below is a detailed breakdown of the types of emergency services available, how to access them, associated costs, and local considerations.

1. Types of Emergency Services

Dunedin offers the following core emergency services:

a. Police (New Zealand Police)

  • Role: Maintaining law and order, crime prevention, and public safety.
  • Contact: Dial 111 for emergencies (e.g., crimes in progress, immediate danger). For non-urgent matters, call the non-emergency line at 105 or visit the Dunedin Central Police Station at 25 Great King Street.

b. Fire and Emergency New Zealand

  • Role: Firefighting, rescue operations, and responding to hazardous material incidents.
  • Contact: Dial 111 for emergencies (e.g., fires, vehicle accidents requiring rescue, or chemical spills).

c. Ambulance Services (St John Ambulance)

  • Role: Providing emergency medical assistance and transport to hospitals.
  • Contact: Dial 111 for emergencies (e.g., life-threatening medical conditions, severe injuries).

d. Civil Defence and Emergency Management

  • Role: Coordinating responses to natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods, tsunamis).
  • Contact: In a disaster, follow instructions from Civil Defence via local radio stations, the Emergency Mobile Alert system, or their website: Otago Civil Defence.

e. Coastguard New Zealand

  • Role: Assisting with maritime emergencies.
  • Contact: Dial 111 and ask for the Coastguard if you are in distress at sea.

2. How to Contact Emergency Services

  • Emergency Number: Dial 111 for all emergencies. This is a free call from any phone, including mobile phones without credit.
  • Language Support: If English is not your first language, the operator can connect you to an interpreter.
  • What to Say: When calling 111, you will be asked:
    1. What service you need (Police, Fire, Ambulance, or Coastguard).
    2. Your location (be as specific as possible, including landmarks or street names).
    3. Details of the emergency (e.g., what happened, how many people are involved, and any immediate dangers).

3. Associated Costs

  • Police and Fire Services: Free of charge for all emergency responses.
  • Ambulance Services:
    • Emergency ambulance services provided by St John are not free for most people.
    • Cost:
      • New Zealand residents: NZD 98 for emergency callouts.
      • Non-residents/visitors: NZD 800+ for emergency callouts.
    • Tip: If you have travel insurance, check if it covers ambulance costs.
  • Civil Defence: Free of charge.
  • Coastguard: Free for emergency rescues, but non-emergency assistance may incur costs.

4. Procedures to Follow in an Emergency

a. Medical Emergency

  1. Dial 111 and ask for an ambulance.
  2. Provide your location and describe the medical issue.
  3. Follow any instructions given by the operator (e.g., performing CPR if instructed).
  4. If you are near Dunedin Hospital (201 Great King Street), you can also go directly to the Emergency Department (ED) for urgent care.

b. Fire Emergency

  1. Dial 111 and ask for the fire service.
  2. Evacuate the building immediately and stay at a safe distance.
  3. Do not attempt to re-enter the building until cleared by the fire service.

c. Crime or Safety Emergency

  1. Dial 111 and ask for the police.
  2. Provide details of the incident, including descriptions of people or vehicles involved.
  3. If it is safe, stay on the line until the police arrive.

d. Natural Disaster

  1. Follow instructions from Civil Defence (via radio, mobile alerts, or their website).
  2. If you are in a tsunami zone (e.g., near the coast), move to higher ground immediately after an earthquake.
  3. Keep an emergency kit ready with essentials like water, food, and a flashlight.

e. Maritime Emergency

  1. Dial 111 and ask for the Coastguard.
  2. If you have a marine VHF radio, use Channel 16 to call for help.
  3. Provide your location and the nature of the emergency.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Earthquake Preparedness: Dunedin is in a seismically active region. Familiarize yourself with earthquake safety protocols:
    • Drop, Cover, and Hold during shaking.
    • Move to higher ground if near the coast after a strong earthquake (tsunami risk).
  • Emergency Mobile Alerts: Ensure your phone is capable of receiving emergency alerts. These are sent automatically during major emergencies.
  • Weather Conditions: Dunedin can experience extreme weather, including heavy rain and snow in winter. Check weather forecasts regularly and drive cautiously.
  • Emergency Kit: Keep a basic emergency kit at home or in your car, including water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and warm clothing.
  • Local Radio Stations: Tune in to Radio New Zealand (RNZ) or local stations for updates during emergencies.
  • Healthline: For non-emergency medical advice, call 0800 611 116 (free, 24/7).

6. Key Locations in Dunedin

  • Dunedin Central Police Station: 25 Great King Street, Dunedin.
  • Dunedin Fire Station: 172 Castle Street, Dunedin.
  • Dunedin Hospital Emergency Department: 201 Great King Street, Dunedin.
  • Otago Civil Defence Office: 70 Stafford Street, Dunedin.

7. Additional Resources

  • New Zealand Red Cross: Offers first aid training and disaster preparedness resources. Website: www.redcross.org.nz
  • St John Ambulance: For first aid courses and non-emergency patient transport. Website: www.stjohn.org.nz
  • Coastguard New Zealand: Website: www.coastguard.nz

By familiarizing yourself with these emergency services and procedures, you can ensure a safer and more prepared experience while in Dunedin. Always prioritize your safety and don’t hesitate to call 111 in any emergency situation.