What's an emergency?
In a medical emergency, calling for an ambulance could mean the difference between life and death. However, people sometimes hesitate to call because they are not sure if the situation qualifies as an emergency. If in doubt, always call triple zero (000). The people who take your call are trained to help you and will direct you to the appropriate resources.
An immediate life-threatening emergency needing an ambulance may include:
- chest pain or chest tightness
- sudden numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg
- large burns
- serious accidents or trauma
- severe bleeding
- difficulty breathing
- extreme pain
- unconsciousness
In a non-emergency who should you contact?
There are a number of options available. Click the icons below to find out more information about each service.
NURSE-ON-CALL is a telephone helpline that provides expert, immediate health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact 1300 60 60 24 for health information and advice. NURSE-ON-CALL can also give you information about health services in your area.
A general practitioner (GP) is a doctor who is qualified in general medical practice. They treat a wide range of medical conditions and health issues. Use our search service to find a GP near you.
Some medical clinics stay open in the evenings and on weekends, which can be a good option for people who need to see a doctor after hours for non-emergency medical treatment.
If your regular GP does not provide after-hours care, you may be able to book an after-hours doctor to visit you at home between 6.00 pm and early morning.
Immediate telephone assistance is available for all kinds of crises, such as bushfire, flood, storms, tsunami, earthquake, workplace emergency, gas leak, poison as well as personal and family crisis. All of these services can give you confidential help and support.
Head to our who to call in a crisis page for a full list of numbers.
For situations where healthcare is needed out of hours, there are also after-hours healthcare options.
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