When to Use Emergency Services
Emergency calls are for situations that are life-threatening or require immediate assistance from emergency services.
Before calling, quickly consider:
• Is someone seriously injured or in urgent need of medical help?
• Is your safety or property in immediate danger?
• Have you just witnessed a serious accident or crime?
If the answer is yes, call Triple Zero (000). This call is free.
When connected, you will be asked which service you need:
• Police
• Fire
• Ambulance
Stay calm, speak clearly, and provide the exact location or address.
Other Important Emergency Numbers
| 106 | Text-based emergency service for people with hearing or speech difficulties |
| 132 500 | Storm and flood assistance (SES; number may vary by state — check your local SES website) |
| 131 444 | Police assistance (non-emergency situations) |
| 1800 333 000 | Crime Stoppers |
| 13 11 26 | Poisons Information Centre |
You can also use the Emergency+ app to quickly contact services and share your location.
Mobile and Device Information
• You can call 000 even without an active SIM card.
• If your network is unavailable, your phone may connect through another network.
Tips for Reaching Triple Zero if You’re Having Trouble Connecting
In an emergency, every second matters. All Australian mobile network operators work behind the scenes to help your Triple Zero (000) call connect. Even when you are outside your provider’s coverage area, a 000 call may still connect if another mobile network is available.
What Happens When You Call 000?
When you call 000 from a mobile phone, your device will first attempt to connect using your mobile network. If your network is unavailable, your phone may automatically attempt to connect to another available mobile network. This process is known as emergency camp-on.
What Does Emergency Camp-On Mean?
If your network is unavailable, your phone will look for another available mobile network and temporarily connect to place a 000 call. No changes to settings are required and the process occurs automatically at no cost to the user.
What Should You Do if Your 000 Call Does Not Connect?
Emergency camp-on can take time while your device attempts to connect to another available network.
If your initial call does not connect within approximately five seconds:
• Hang up and try again immediately.
• On subsequent attempts, remain on the line for up to 60 seconds to allow time for the connection process to complete.
Understanding Your Phone’s Display
Different devices display emergency connectivity differently.
iPhone: Your device may display SOS or SOS Only.
Android: Your device may display Emergency calls only, No service - emergency calls only, or an SOS icon.
Important: If your phone displays No service, there is no mobile network coverage available from any carrier at your location and a mobile call to 000 cannot be completed.
Alternative Options
If mobile coverage is unavailable:
• Use a landline or public phone where available.
• Connect to Wi-Fi and use Wi-Fi Calling if supported by your device and service.
More Information
For further information about connecting to Triple Zero, visit the Triple Zero website .