How to call 000
Stay focused, stay relevant, stay on the line
The Triple Zero (000) service is the quickest way to get the right emergency service to help you. You can contact Police, Fire or Ambulance in life threatening or emergency situations.
Assess the situation
- Is someone seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help?
- Is your life or property being threatened?
- Have you just witnessed a serious accident or crime?
If you answered
YES call Triple Zero (000).
Make your call
- Stay calm and call Triple Zero from a safe place.
- When your call is answered you will be asked if you need Police, Fire or Ambulance.
- If requested by the operator, state your town and location.
- Your call will be directed to the service you asked for.
- When connected to the emergency service, stay on the line, speak clearly and answer the questions.
- Don't hang up until the operator tells you to do so.
Providing location information
- You will be asked where you are.
- Try to provide street number, street name, nearest cross street and the area.
- In rural areas give the full address and distances from landmarks and roads as well as the property name.
- If calling from a mobile or satellite phone, the operator may ask you for other location information.
- If you make a call while travelling, state the direction you are travelling and the last motorway exit or town you passed.
Satellite phone services and Triple Zero (000)
All Australian satellite phone operators provide access to Triple Zero (000). If your provider operates via another country, you may not be able to access Triple Zero (000). Check with your satellite phone provider if you are unsure whether you can contact Triple Zero (000) from your satellite phone. Please do not call Triple Zero (000) to test.
In an emergency, can you be found?
Make sure your phone address details are accurate—it could save your life
Did you know that the address details you give to your phone company may be used to send help if you make a Triple Zero (000) emergency call? Your phone company is required by law to provide your address to a secure database which is used for responding to emergency situations. When you call Triple Zero, the address details that are stored in the Integrated Public Number Database will automatically appear on the operator's screen and be passed on to the emergency service organisation you request (police, fire or ambulance).
Instructions from the operator
- The operator may ask you to wait at a pre-arranged meeting point to assist emergency services to locate the incident
Other languages and text based services
- People with a speech or hearing impairment can use the
One Zero Six (106) text based service.
- If you can't speak English you can call Triple Zero (000) from a fixed line and ask for 'Police', 'Fire', or 'Ambulance'. Once connected you need to stay on the line and a translator will be organised.
- Further information in several community languages can be found on the
Emergency information in other languages page.
Other things you can do
- Keep the Triple Zero (000) number beside telephones at home and work.
- Teach children and overseas visitors that the emergency number to call in Australia is Triple Zero (000).
- Teach children when and how to use Triple Zero by playing the
Kids' Challenge.
Triple Zero Fact Sheet
