Ambulance Victoria
If you are experiencing or are in the presence of someone that is encountering an immediate serious reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, swelling, collapse, etc), call or have someone call triple zero (000) immediately.
The below information has been supplied by Ambulance Victoria
CALLING AN AMBULANCE
When calling Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance, Ambulance Victoria advises it is helpful to be prepared to answer the following questions:
- What is the address you need the ambulance?
- What is your contact telephone number?
- Tell me exactly what happened?
- How many people are hurt?
- How old is the patient?
- Is the patient conscious?
- Is the patient breathing?
Click here to download the How to Call Guide.pdf
Click here to view translated versions and learn more about Calling an Ambulance (external link)
WHAT’S AN EMERGENCY?
People sometimes hesitate to call Triple Zero (000) because they are not sure if the situation qualifies as an emergency. Ambulance Victoria advises, if in doubt, always call Triple Zero (000). Call takers are trained to help you and will direct you to the appropriate assistance.
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR HELP IF IT’S NOT AN EMERGENCY?
Ambulance Victoria advises there are a number of options available to assist you with less urgent health needs, including visiting your local doctor, visiting a pharmacy or phoning Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 from anywhere in Victoria for immediate advice 24 hours a day.
WILL I GET AN AMBULANCE IF I CALL TRIPLE ZERO (000)?
Ambulance Victoria advises, if you have an emergency and you need an ambulance, you will get one. Every call to Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance is carefully assessed to ensure they understand the patient’s requirements and to ensure patient's get the care they need. Less urgent calls go to their Referral Service for more detailed assessment to match callers to the service that best suits their needs. They may direct callers to alternative care in some of these cases.
MEMBERSHIPS, FEES AND CHARGES
Ambulance Victoria responds to over 800,000 calls for medical help from Victorians every year. That is over 2,200 calls a day. Emergency medical transport services are not free and not covered by Medicare.
You can become an Ambulance Victoria member to be protected against the cost of transport and treatment by paramedics. The average cost of emergency transport is more than $1200.
If you have Private Health Insurance, Ambulance Victoria recommends that you contact your fund to determine if you have sufficient ambulance cover.
To learn more about Ambulance Victoria memberships, click here (external link)
Ambulance Victoria is an emergency service that prides itself on giving their patients the right care at the right place at the right time. The leading edge clinical practice and lifesaving work of their paramedics underpins their purpose of improving the health outcomes of the Victorian community.
For more information on Ambulance Victoria, please www.ambulance.vic.gov.au (external link)
This Page was last updated on 10th August 2023
The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.
