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What if I get sick in Australia? 🚑 What to do in an emergency and how to call 000 correctly
- Camila Patiño
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
If you're in Australia and suddenly face a situation that puts your health, life, or property at risk, it's normal to feel fear, confusion, or not knowing what to do. Should I call someone? When is it urgent? Which number should I call?
For those migrating or newly arrived, it's vital to know the emergency number and how to respond correctly to act quickly and effectively.
Therefore, we want to clearly explain what to do in an emergency in Australia, when to dial the correct number, and how to prepare your documentation and personal situation to be ready. We'll also discuss why having reliable registered migration agents (MARA) and NAATI translation services makes all the difference.
What is the emergency number in Australia and when should you use it?
In Australia, the national emergency number is 000 (also known as "triple zero").
When to dial 000?
You should dial 000 when there is a life-threatening, critical, or urgent situation. According to Australian Emergency Services, you should call:
When a person is seriously injured or needs urgent medical attention.
When your life or property is being threatened (for example, fire, theft, serious accident).
If you witness a serious accident or crime that requires immediate intervention.
When not to dial 000?
If the situation is not life-threatening, there are other numbers or services that may be more appropriate. For example:
For non-urgent police matters: each state has a different number (such as 131 444 in some cases).
For emergencies that are not medical, police, or fire-related (for example, minor damage, requests for information)
State / Territory | Non-Urgent Police Contact Number | Official Source |
New South Wales (NSW) | 131 444 | |
Victoria (VIC) | 131 444 | |
Queensland (QLD) | 131 444 | |
Western Australia (WA) | 131 444 | |
South Australia (SA) | 131 444 | |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | 131 444 | |
Tasmania (TAS) | 133 677, then ask for 131 444 |
Important: Useful Technical Information
Calling 000 is free from a landline, mobile phone, VoIP, or other compatible services.
From a mobile phone, you can also dial 112, which redirects to the emergency services, although 000 is the main number.
If you have a hearing or speech disability, there is 106 (text/TTY) for emergencies.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When You Dial 000
Here's a practical guide to how to act correctly:
1. Stay in a safe place:
As soon as you realize the situation is serious, go (if possible) to a safe place before dialing. This protects you and makes it easier for emergency services to arrive.
2. Dial 000 and stay on the line:
Call 000 from any phone. When the operator answers, they will ask: "Police, Fire, or Ambulance?"
3. Provide key information:
Who is calling and from where: name, exact address, street, nearest intersection, zip code.
What is happening: Briefly describe the problem ("unconscious person," "fire on the second floor," "domestic violence," etc.)
If medical: patient's age, breathing, consciousness, bleeding, etc.
4. Respond calmly and follow instructions:
The operator will be able to give you directions while services arrive. Don't hang up until they tell you.
5. Be prepared for help:
If possible, someone should wait at the door or signal the location so services arrive quickly. In rural areas, provide clear directions (distance, road, property name)
Why is it so important to have good immigration advice and documentation?
Having a trusted agent registered with MARA (Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority) and certified NAATI translation services gives you peace of mind.
A MARA-registered immigration agent can guide you on how the Australian healthcare system works, the required insurance, emergency medical coverage, and what to do in the event of a serious incident.
A good Australian immigration consultancy (like the one we offer at AustraliaPRO) ensures you have all your documents in order, know where to go, and understand your rights and obligations.
Having your documents translated by a reliable company (24-hour NAATI translations) makes it easier for hospitals, insurance companies, or immigration authorities to recognize your identity, medical history, or immigration status.
When migrating to Australia, being prepared means not only having a visa, but also knowing how to react to unforeseen events.
In an emergency in Australia, the golden rule is: dial 000 immediately if life, health, or property is in danger. Being clear about the steps (call, provide details, wait, follow instructions) can make all the difference.
But in addition to knowing what to do at that moment, being prepared before it happens will give you confidence: having a MARA-registered migration agent, having your documents translated by a NAATI service, and knowing your rights as a professional migrant are key elements to ensure that, whatever happens, you are not alone.
When you trust experts like AustraliaPRO, SkillsPRO (for Skills Assessment Australia), and Entrelingo Translations, you are taking a step toward a safer, more informed, and more peaceful immigration life.
💡 Don’t improvise your adaptation to Australia, do it with professional guidance and planning. At AustraliaPRO, we are ready to help you. Write to us on WhatsApp and request your free consultation here.
To stay updated with the latest news on migration and Skills Assessment—and to connect with other professionals on the same path—we invite you to join our exclusive WhatsApp group. There, you can share experiences, solve doubts in real time, and receive continuous support from our team and fellow migrants. You’re not alone in this journey! Join now and be part of a community of professionals committed to their future in Australia.
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