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Get information on how to get help in an emergency.
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When to call 000

In an emergency, call 000 to contact police, fire and ambulance services.

You should call triple zero (000) if:

  • Someone is badly hurt or needs urgent medical     attention.
  • Your life or property is threatened.
  • You have seen a serious accident or crime.

Calls to 000 are free. You can call 000 from mobile, home and work phones and pay phones. Before you call, make sure you are in a safe place. 

Call 000 if you or someone else is badly hurt or in danger. If the situation is less urgent, you can call a local service for help, like a doctor or the police in your area.

If you are hard of hearing or find it hard to talk, use one zero six (106) instead

One zero six (106) is a text-based emergency call service you can contact using a text phone or tele typewriter. Type in which service you need. Say where the help is required.

What happens after you call 000?

  • The person who answers will ask you if you need the police, fire, or ambulance service. Say the service you need. It could be more than one. For example, you may need police and an ambulance. 
  • Speak slowly and clearly. Don't shout. Stay as calm as you can.
  • If you have called on a mobile or satellite phone, they will ask you to say where you are.
  • Next, you will be connected to the service you need. It could be the police, the ambulance or the fire service. They will ask what has happened.
  • Your job is to stay on the line and answer questions.
  • Don't hang up until the person you speak to has all the information they need. They will tell you when it is okay to end the call.

What information will the service need?

The person who takes your call will ask for:

  • Your name.
  • Where you are, including street number, name,     nearest cross street, and town or suburb.
  • The complete address and distance from landmarks and roads in a rural area.
  • If you are on a highway or road, give the road name and distance from landmarks and other roads. You can also describe the landmarks you can see. Tell them what way you are travelling and the last exit or town you passed through.
  • Information about the emergency. They will ask you questions about what has happened. Answer as best as you can.

The person who takes your call may tell you what you can do to help. Listen carefully and follow their instructions. It is okay to ask them to repeat things. 

Even if you don't have all the information listed above, don't hesitate to call 000 in an emergency. The service will help you as best they can.

1800 RESPECT

If you experience violence or abuse you can contact 1800 RESPECT for support and counselling.
Call 1800 737 732 or go to the 1800 RESPECT website to chat with someone online (external link).

‍To contact 1800RESPECT via SMS, text ‘HELLO’ or any greeting to 0458 737 732 to start the conversation.

How to find practical help

This section of the website lets you know where to go and what to do when you need help. People who've been hurt by violence will find advice here, but others will find it helpful, too. There is information about legal support, health services, money, sex and relationships and violence and abuse. If you are in a difficult situation and don't know what to do, the strategies here can make a difference.

Find out more

Helpline directory

This section provides information about helplines - telephone and text services that offer help when you need it. Helplines can give you advice, understanding and links to practical support

Find out more

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A guide to calling triple zero (000)

In Australia, the number to call in an emergency is triple zero (000). Calling 000 can make some people feel nervous or scared. Here, you can learn what happens when you call emergency services. We explain when and how to make the call and describe the information you need to have ready.

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