Translated resources

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.

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.