What to do in an emergency

Call emergency services on 000 (Australia only)

In an accident or emergency you need to assess the situation. If there is immediate danger that someone will be harmed or has been harmed seriously - call 000 if you live in Australia. If you live outside Australia, you should find the emergency services number in your phone book or ring directory assistance.

Information emergency services might want:

• the location of the emergency including nearby landmarks
• the telephone number from where the call is being made
• what happened
• how many people require assistance
• condition of the people
• what assistance is being given
• any other information requested.

Don't hang up until the emergency services operator does.

Assessing the situation

• Do they respond in any way when you squeeze their ear lobe or shoulders?
• Are they breathing? If not, somebody needs to start mouth to mouth resuscitation (Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR)).
• Do they have a pulse? If not, somebody needs to start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

For more information about EAR and CPR you may want to check out the St John's Ambulance site or get in touch with your local St John's ambulance office - have a look in the Telstra White Pages.

Self-harm

If someone has harmed themselves intentionally, get medical help immediately. If the person does not want to be helped or is likely to be violent then ring the police immediately on '000' in Australia.

If the person is happy to go to hospital, then it is best if you call an ambulance on '000' in Australia.

At the hospital, after they have been physically checked, they will usually be assessed by a mental health professional. In big hospitals this person will probably be a psychiatrist. Check out the Who can help you section for more information about psychiatrists.

Overdose of drugs

If someone has taken an overdose of drugs or pills call an ambulance immediately. If you are not sure whether the amount they have taken is damaging you can ring poisons information on 131 126, from anywhere in Australia, for advice.

Even if the person appears to be alright, get help and advice. Often the damage from an overdose isn't immediately apparent.

If someone goes missing

If someone has gone missing and they have been depressed, it is important that you talk to someone who can help you look for them. This may be a family member, teacher, counsellor or youth worker. Even if you find them and everything is all right, you can still let them know that you care and are concerned about their safety. If you cannot find them and fear for their safety, ring your local police for assistance.

More information/important numbers

Emergency Services - Police, Fire, Ambulance (EMERGENCY ONLY) 000

Poisons Information - 13 11 26

Life Line 13 11 14

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800