Emergency Tips

Emergency Travel Tips in Australia

Know what to do if things go wrong on the road. This guide covers who to call, what to do in common emergencies (medical, breakdowns, bushfires, floods, heat), what to pack, and how to plan safe stops along your route.

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Outback Trips ·
National Parks

Key emergency numbers

  • 000 — Life‑threatening emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
  • 112 — Mobile alternative to 000 (if 000 doesn’t connect)
  • 106 — Text‑based relay service for people with hearing/speech impairments
  • 132 500 — State Emergency Service (SES) for flood/storm assistance (non‑life‑threatening)
  • 13 11 26 — Poisons Information Centre (advice)
  • 1800 022 222 — Healthdirect (nurse advice)

Tip: Save these in your phone and keep a printed list in your glovebox.

If you’re in immediate danger

  1. Move to safety if possible and switch on hazard lights.
  2. Call 000 (or 112 from mobile) and state your location clearly.
  3. Follow operator instructions. Do not hang up until told to do so.

Common road emergencies: what to do

1) Medical emergency

  • Call 000. Provide symptoms, medications, and known conditions.
  • Use first‑aid basics: check response, breathing, bleeding; apply pressure to wounds.
  • Keep the person comfortable and shaded; note the time of onset.

2) Vehicle breakdown (safe but immobile)

  • Pull well off the road, angle wheels away from traffic, hazards on.
  • Use a warning triangle if safe; stay behind barriers if on a highway.
  • Contact roadside assistance or your insurer. Share your GPS or nearest marker.

3) Crash (no serious injuries)

  • Ensure scene safety. If needed, call 000.
  • Exchange details (name, phone, rego, insurer). Take photos and note conditions.
  • Move vehicles out of traffic if safe. Report as required by local law/insurer.

4) Bushfire/grassfire nearby

  • Avoid travel into fire areas. If caught, turn back or detour early.
  • Windows up, recirculate air, headlights on. Never drive through heavy smoke.
  • If trapped, park in a cleared area, stay in the car below window level; cover skin.

5) Flooded roads and storms

  • Never drive through floodwater. Turn around and find a higher route.
  • In severe storms, pull over away from trees/powerlines; wait it out.
  • For non‑life‑threatening flood/storm damage, call SES 132 500.

6) Extreme heat and dehydration

  • Travel early/late, rest in shade, and drink regularly.
  • Carry extra water in the vehicle; avoid strenuous activity in peak heat.
  • Watch for heat stress: dizziness, headache, nausea — cool down and hydrate.

7) Remote/outback travel

  • Tell someone your route and ETA; check in at agreed times.
  • Carry extra water, fuel, and a paper map; consider a PLB/satellite communicator.
  • If stranded, stay with your vehicle — it’s easier to spot and provides shade.

Share your location quickly

  • Read out highway distance markers or nearest intersection/landmark.
  • Use your phone’s maps app to copy GPS coordinates (long‑press the blue dot).
  • Take a quick photo of signage for responders if you can do so safely.

Emergency kit checklist

  • Water (3–5 L per person/day), high‑energy snacks
  • First‑aid kit, any personal medications, basic pain relief
  • Charged power bank, car charger, spare batteries
  • Hi‑vis vest, warning triangle, torch, gloves
  • Blanket, sun protection (hat, SPF 50+), insect repellent
  • Duct tape, cable ties, basic tools; shovel for sand
  • Printed contacts and a paper map of your route

Plan safer stops on every trip

FAQs

Should I call 000 or 112?

In Australia, 000 is the primary emergency number for Police, Fire, and Ambulance. If 000 doesn’t connect on your mobile, try 112 as an alternative.

What if I can’t describe where I am?

Look for highway distance markers, the last intersection passed, or a landmark. In your maps app, long‑press your location to copy GPS coordinates and read them to the operator.

Is it safe to drive through smoke or floodwater?

No. Smoke can hide hazards and floodwater is unpredictable — turn around and seek a safe route.

What’s the minimum water I should carry?

Plan for 3–5 litres per person per day for drinking, more in hot or remote conditions, plus extra for cooking and washing.

How can I prepare for remote trips?

Share an itinerary, carry extra water/fuel, take a power bank, paper maps, sun protection, and consider a PLB or satellite communicator. If stranded, stay with your vehicle.

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