Emergency phone number – Triple zero 000
Note that 112 may be used as an acceptable secondary emergency line from mobile phones. It connects to Triple Zero, but does not provide enhanced priority or other benefit. See clarification on the Australian Government website.
Emergency + (Emergency plus) smartphone app
The Emergency + app has been developed by Australia’s Triple Zero Awareness Working Group. One advantage is that it will display the GPS coordinates of the phone’s location that the caller can read out to the emergency operator.
VicEmergency website and app.
VicEmergency has a real time Google Map display with incidents across the state including fires, floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, hazardous materials and traffic accidents.
The VicEmergency app provides Victorians with access to warnings and incidents for fires, floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis and water safety. It is available for download from the App Store, or Google Play
A VicEmergency hotline 1800 226 226 provides supplemental emergency information.
iPhone Built in Emergency button
Some smartphones have a built-in emergency app, for use without having to open the phone with the password.
On the iPhone password screen, there is ’emergency’, enabling a direct emergency call and access to your pre-programed Medical ID information.
iPhone 14 models enable message emergency services even when there is no phone reception. The Emergency SOS feature works by connecting directly to satellites located more than a 1,000km from Earth.
iPhone 14 users can connect to the satellite by calling 000 in Australia, or 111 in New Zealand, and selecting the Emergency SOS button, or by holding the side button in tandem with the volume button.
The feature sends details of your emergency, location, iPhone battery level and Medical ID, if enabled, to Apple-trained emergency specialists who can communicate further via text with the person about their situation and whereabouts.
First Aid app
Useful apps include
First Aid by St John Ambulance,
First Aid by Australian Red Cross, and
First Aid Fast.
First Aid training
Bushwalking Victoria may provide a subsidy for recognised First Aid training.
Ambulance
Walkers should consider if they have appropriate insurance for ambulance transfer. Many people have some (often limited) cover through their personal health insurance. If not, or if the cover is limited, direct membership of Ambulance Victoria is recommended.
Victoria Bushfire Information Line – 1800 240 667
The Victoria Bushfire Information Line (VIBL) provides information about significant bushfires, bushfire risk, planned burning and related matters.