Queensland Government
Queensland Government
Translated resources2025-07-14T10:50:43+10:00
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    Calling an Ambulance in Queensland

    This video will show you how to call an Ambulance in Queensland.

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    Hello!

    This video will show you how to call the ambulance for an emergency.

    Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if you or someone is very sick or someone has been hurt in an accident.

    You can ask for an interpreter for free.

    If unsure, call an ambulance.

    You should call an ambulance if you have:

    • Chest pain or tightness
    • Sudden weakness in the face, arm or leg, or trouble speaking
    • Bleeding that won’t stop
    • Trouble breathing
    • A sudden collapse or fall
    • Seizure
    • Severe burns
    • Or if someone has been hurt in a car accident, or physically by someone else

    You should call an ambulance if your child:

    • becomes unwell quickly
    • has trouble breathing
    • is pale or blue around the lips
    • is drowsy or not responding to your voice
    • has a seizure
    • has a serious accident or injury such as a broken bone or deep cut.

    When you call triple zero (000), the operator will ask ‘Police, Fire or Ambulance?’ You need to say ‘Ambulance’.

    They will then ask ‘Suburb and State?’

    You say your suburb such as ‘Townsville and Queensland’.

    You can ask the operator for a free interpreter by saying, for example, ‘I need interpreter in Sango or French’.

    It may take time to get you an interpreter so try telling them your address in English if you can, and stay on the phone.

    Sometimes they may send an ambulance immediately. You need to give this information when they ask:

    • Where you are
    • Your phone number and name
    • Explain the emergency
    • What happened?
    • How many people are hurt or sick?
    • Are you with the person?
    • How old is the patient?
    • Are they awake?
    • Are they breathing?

    The interpreter will tell the operator your information and then send an ambulance if needed.

    Ambulances are free in Queensland.

    While you wait for the ambulance, you may need to stay on the phone until the ambulance arrives.

    The interpreter may tell you ways to help the sick or injured person.

    While you wait for the ambulance, stay with the sick or injured person.

    If you can, find the patient’s:

    • medicare card (if they have one)
    • health care card
    • private health insurance information
    • treatment medicines
    • and their GP’s details.

    If you are still on the phone, tell the interpreter that the ambulance has arrived.

    The paramedics will take care of the patient.

    The interpreter on the phone will tell you when to hang up the call.

    You can ask the paramedics to go in the ambulance with the patient to the hospital.

    You can also ask for an interpreter in the ambulance and in the hospital for free.

    A few days or weeks later, remember to book a follow up appointment with your GP after the emergency.

    If it isn’t an emergency but you need health advice, call 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84 to speak to a nurse.

    They can get an interpreter on the phone for free.

    More tips on calling an Ambulance

    Using an interpreter

    If you’d like to use a language other than English, you can use an interpreter. To ask for an interpreter say, ‘I want a [say your language] interpreter’. This service is free.

    Support for people with speech or hearing difficulties

    If you’re deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can use the National Relay Service to call Triple Zero (000).

    You can do this by phone (call 106) or using online chat, captions or SMS or voice relay.

    Access to Health Care in Australia

    This video explains how to get regular and emergency health care in Australia. It also shows how interpreters can help you understand health information, and what services are available for children and families.

    Watch the video in your language:

    Find more videos about access to health care in your language.

    Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights

    The Charter explains the rights people have when getting health care for themselves or someone they care for. These rights apply to everyone and in all places where health care is provided in Australia.

    Read more in your language:

    Read the charter in your language.

    Ryan’s Rule

    Ryan’s Rule is a 3 step process that helps patients, families, and carers speak up if they feel the patient is not getting the care they need or if their condition is getting worse.

    Read more in your language:

    Read about Ryan’s Rule in your language in your language.

    Nurse narrator:

    Ryan’s Rule helps you raise concerns when a patient’s condition is getting worse or not improving as expected.

    We want to ensure that you or your loved ones are getting the care they need. There’s a simple 3-step process to get help fast.

    Title: Step 1: Talk to your nurse, midwife or doctor

    Nurse narrator:

    The first step is talk to a nurse, midwife or doctor.

    Title: Step 2: Talk to the unit manager in charge or your liaison officer

    If you’re still concerned, ask to talk to the nurse or midwife in charge, doctor on duty. Or, if you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, your liaison officer can help.

    Title: Step 3: Phone 13 HEALTH 13 43 25 84

    Nurse narrator:

    And if you continue to be concerned, phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

    Nurse narrator:

    If you would prefer, a staff member can help you make the call.

    You’ll need to tell the operator:

    The hospital name.

    The patient’s name.

    The patient’s ward and bed number and your contact phone number.

    They will arrange for a senior clinician to assess you in hospital or by telehealth in more remote locations.

    If you are concerned, please speak up. We’re here to help.

    Title: Ryan’s Rule.

    Step 1 – Talk to your nurse, midwife or doctor.

    Step 2 – Talk to the unit manager in charge or your liaison officer.

    Step 3 – Phone 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84

    Nurse narrator:

    Ryan’s Rule.

    Step 1 – Talk to your nurse, midwife or doctor.

    Step 2 – Talk to the unit manager in charge or if you are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, your liaison officer is there to help.

    Step 3 – Phone 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84.

    Patients without a Medicare card

    If you do not have a valid Medicare card you are required to pay all fees and charges to the hospital.

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    Top Tips for Safe Health Care

    Top Tips help patients, families, and carers get the best care. They encourage you to be involved and work together with your health care team. Use these tips when talking to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, specialists, and other health professionals.

    Read more in your language:

    Read the tips in your language.

    Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Services

    These videos explain what to expect during a colonoscopy or endoscopy procedure. They cover how the procedures work and what you need to do to get ready.

    Watch these videos in your language:

    • Understanding consent
    • What is a colonoscopy?
    • What might be found?
    • Preparing for your colonoscopy
    • Preparing for your endoscopy

    More videos about preparing for your colonoscopy or endoscopy videos in your language.

    My Care, My Choices | Advance Care Planning

    These resources provide a directory of advance care planning (ACP) information to support you in this important process.

    Read more in your language:

    Find more about advance care planning in your language.

    Everyone has the right to feel safe at home

    This information helps you learn the signs of domestic and family violence. It also explains how you can support someone who may be experiencing abuse and where to get help.

    Read more in your language:

    Find more information on domestic and family violence in your language.

    NDIS Participant Booklets

    This booklet helps you understand NDIS and how to use the service, including how to keep track of important things during your NDIS journey.

    Read more in your language:

    Find more information about the NDIS in your language.

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