Save Triple Zero (000) for emergencies

Knowing how and when to call an ambulance is vital during the winter season.

Every year, about 300,000 people call St John WA through Triple Zero (000) seeking an ambulance.

Western Australians are generally pretty good at knowing when they are facing a life-threatening emergency. We want to arm people with a better understanding of the right time to call an ambulance, and make sure everyone knows what other options are available for assistance or advice.

Our goal is to keep our ambulance officers on the road responding to people when they need us most.

How do I know if it's an emergency?

If it’s an emergency, it’s best to call Triple Zero (000) rather than drive to hospital. Not only is it safer, paramedics can start treating a patient when they arrive. While every Triple Zero (000) caller is given assistance, it is important to remember that this number is for emergencies only. If you are unsure, call Triple Zero (000) and have the situation assessed.

You should call Triple Zero (000) if you or someone else is experiencing the following symptoms:

Chest pain or tightness

Breathing difficulties

Uncontrollable bleeding

Severe burns

Poisoning

Unconsciousness or seizures

Numbness or paralysis

A life-threatening injury

On-going fever in infants

Unresponsive

When it's urgent, but not an emergency

There are a number of options available to assist you with less urgent health needs.

Call Healthdirect

For non-emergency health advice, visit healthdirect.gov.au or call 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse.

The Healthdirect helpline is a 24-hour telephone health line that connects you directly to a registered nurse for expert health advice. If you are feeling ill, your query is non-urgent, or are anxious about any health issue, you should use this service.

The health line is available seven days a week.

Calls from landline phones are free, mobile charges may apply.

Visit a GP or St John Urgent Care

Book an appointment with your family General Practitioner.

For urgent but not emergency care, you may also contact St John Urgent Care.

We treat a range of urgent non-life threatening injuries or illnesses. Below are some common treatments we handle:

Sprains or broken bones
X-rays
Stitches & glue for cuts
Insect Bites
Minor eye and ear problems
Minor burns

Be prepared for an emergency

First aid

Keep your First Aid skills up to date
Ensure your First Aid supplies are in-date
Know the nearest Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED)

Download our First Responder App

The First Responder App helps us locate you when you call Triple Zero (000) and links you to the nearest AED in case of emergency

Follow St John WA on social media

Follow St John WA on social media to keep up to date with service changes

Will I get an ambulance if I call Triple Zero (000)?

If you are experiencing an emergency and need an ambulance, you will get one.

Every call to Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance is carefully assessed to ensure we understand the patient’s requirements and to ensure they get the care they need.

Less urgent calls go to our Secondary Triage Team for more detailed assessment to match callers to the service that best suits their needs. We may direct our callers to alternative care in some of these cases.