Who to call in a crisis

If you have a crisis or emergency that requires action, there are services that you can call for immediate help. Emergencies may include major events, such as a health crisis, bushfire, natural disaster, gas leak and other threats to people and property. They may also include personal crises, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness or severe depression.

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)

In an emergency, call triple zero (000) on any mobile phone that has reception – even if the phone is locked. This free service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and offers immediate assistance.

You are involved in an emergency if:

• Someone’s life or property is in danger.
• Someone is badly injured or in need of immediate medical help.
• You have just witnessed a serious accident or crime.

When calling triple zero, (000) remember to:

• Speak calmly and do not shout.
• Tell the operator exactly where you are.
• Let the operator know which service you need – ambulance, police or fire brigade.
• Listen carefully to the operator and follow any instructions they give.
• Stay on the phone, as the operator may be able to help you until emergency staff arrive.

Being prepared and knowing who to call in an emergency can help save lives.

Dial 106 if you have a hearing or speech impairment

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, dial 106 to use the text-based emergency services network on a teletypewriter (TTY). This service does not accept voice calls.

Dial 112 for international standard emergency number

Triple zero (000) is the Australian standard emergency number, while 112 is an international standard emergency number. Calling 112 in Australia will work, as your call will be directed to triple zero (000).

Other crisis services

Immediate telephone assistance is available for all kinds of emergencies. All of the services listed below can give you confidential help and support.

Emergencies and natural disasters

There are a variety of different phone lines to call depending on the type of emergency you or others are experiencing.

Bushfire

VicEmergency Hotline Call (free call) 1800 226 226
National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and if you don't speak English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

Trained operators are available Monday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm. Opening times are extended during significant bushfires and recorded information on specific topics is available 24 hours a day

Bushfire relief centres
Find a bushfire relief centre or locate affected family and friends
Red Cross Information Line
Call (free call) 1800 727 077

Flood, storms, tsunami or earthquake

Victorian State Emergency Service (SES)
Call 132 500
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit Victorian State Emergency Service.

Workplace emergencies

Worksafe Victoria – Emergency Response Line
Call 132 500
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit Worksafe Victoria.

Gas leaks and emergencies

Energy Safe Victoria
Call 132 771
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit Energy Safe Victoria

Medical issues

Depending on the urgency of medical issues, there are a number of phone services you can contact.

Poisons

Victorian Poisons Information Centre
Call 131 126
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit Victorian Poisons Information Centre

Immediate health advice

NURSE-ON-CALL
Health information helpline provided by registered nurses
Call 1300 60 60 24
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit Nurse On Call

Maternal and Child Health Line Victoria

Family health line for child health, maternal and family health and parenting advice provided by maternal and child health nurses
Call 13 22 29
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Personal and family crises

There are a range of services to deal with personal or family crises.

Suicide and self-harm prevention

Lifeline
Confidential phone counselling to discuss personal issues
Call 13 11 14
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit  Lifeline

SuicideLine
Phone and online counselling for people considering suicide or self-harm
Call 1300 651 251
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit  SuicideLine

Support for women

Women’s Information Referral Exchange (WIRE)
Support, advice and referrals on all topics for women
Call 1300 134 130
Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Visit Women's Information Referral Exchange

Support for men

Men’s Referral Service
Counselling and referrals for men seeking to stop violent and controlling behaviour
Call (03) 9428 2899, (free call) 1800 065 973
Monday to Friday, 12 pm – 9 pm
Visit Men's Referral Service

Support for family

Parentline
Counselling service for parents and carers to discuss parenting issues and services
Call 132 289
Monday to Friday, 8 am – 12 midnight
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 10 pm
Visit  Parentline

Sexual assault or domestic violence

Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) Counselling and Support
Advice and support for victims of sexual assault or family or domestic violence
Call (03) 9635 3610
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit Centre Against Sexual Assault

Homelessness and housing

St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre
Housing information and referral, and transitional housing services to help those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
Call (03) 9536 7777, (free call) 1800 627 727
10 am - 12 midnight, 7 days a week

Counselling services

Counselling services offer information, support and advice, as well as assisting you in times of crisis.

Personal issues

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) support
Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Victoria
Phone counselling and information service for the Victorian gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex community and its supporters
Call (03) 9663 2939, (free call) 1800 184 527
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 6 pm – 10 pm
Wednesday, 2 – 10 pm
Friday to Sunday, 6 pm – 9 pm
Visit  Switchboard

Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
Counselling and support services for people affected by problem gambling
Call (free call) 1800 858 858, TTY 1800 777 706
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

Children and young adults (between five and 25 years old)

Kids Helpline
Phone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between five and 25
Call (free call) 1800 551 800
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit Kids Helpline

Grief and bereavement

Bereavement Information and Referral Service
Phone counselling for people experiencing grief and bereavement
Call 1300 664 786
Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm
Visit Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).
• Your GP (doctor).
• NURSE-ON-CALL 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)

You might also be interested in:

• Calling triple zero (000).
• Calling an ambulance.