Tips for when you have called an ambulance – (if you need an ambulance now – Call 000 immediately).
Let your Defibshop help you! You have dialled ‘000’ (in Australia) and requested the assistance of an ambulance paramedic crew. Think about the information you’ll need to give to help the operator get a paramedic crew to you:
Your location — including suburb, street name and number, nearest cross street, and any landmarks that may help the paramedics locate you faster. Thought: Can your house or building number be seen easily by emergency crews — day or night? Take a look; you might be surprised how hard it is to spot.
The patient’s condition — the operator will need to know what’s happening. For example: Is the patient in Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Are they conscious? Breathing normally? Do they have a pulse? Is their colour normal? Do you have a defibrillator at hand?
What happened — was it a motor vehicle crash? Did the patient fall from a ladder? Did they collapse at home? This helps paramedics prepare the right equipment and treatment en route.
Handy tips to help paramedics reach the patient faster:
- Make sure house or building numbers are clearly visible — day and night.
- Turn on outside lights where possible at night.
- Have a car in the driveway? Turn on hazard lights and, if possible, move it into the street — this helps paramedics identify your location quickly and gives them easier access with equipment and stretcher.
- Send someone out to wait for the ambulance and guide the crew in. Paramedics will look for the simplest way in and out.
- Remember: most ambulance vehicles are taller than a standard car. Check for low barriers, overhanging branches, or narrow access points. If available, have a golf buggy or similar ready for transport across larger properties.
- Prepare patient details: name, date of birth, current medications, any known allergies to medications, and past medical history if known. Print off our free patient details form here – Patient Details Form (PDF)
- Place the patient’s medications into a plastic bag or container if you have time.
- If time and extra hands permit, move furniture and items from hallways and corridors to make it easier to get the patient out.
- Gather any medical reports, doctor or hospital notes, and community nursing records that may help the attending paramedics.
- Secure your pets. We know they won’t bite you, but paramedics are complete strangers to them. Lock pets in the laundry, backyard, or another safe area until emergency crews have departed.
- Have any benefit cards (pension, health care) handy to go with the patient.
Remember, the ‘000’ service is there to assist you at any time. If you have called for an ambulance and the patient’s condition deteriorates, call 000 again to let them know. Operators are highly skilled and trained to talk you through the emergency until paramedics arrive on scene.
Most ambulance services in Australia also have non-urgent numbers you can call for advice. 000 is for emergencies only — ambulances are not taxis.
Patient Details Form — Do you have a list of handy information to help your paramedic team help you? Print off this free form from your Defibshop. Place a copy on your fridge door and another in your wallet, purse, or handbag. Remember to update your details regularly.
To find contact details for your local ambulance service, click here.
Know your DRSABCD? What do those letters stand for when assessing a patient? Find out and order your FREE DRSABCD Fridge Magnet — a handy reminder for your fridge, office, or club room.
Need to make your AED and first aid gear easier to find at a sporting event or conference? Take a look at our AED flags.
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