Immediate Crisis Help: Australia’s Emergency Response Guide

🚨 EMERGENCY - Call NOW if in immediate danger: 000

If you’re in crisis right now: This guide provides immediate help for any emergency situation in Australia. Keep these numbers saved and share with family.

Critical Emergency Numbers - Save These NOW

Life-Threatening Emergencies

• Police, Fire, Ambulance: 000 (free from any phone)
• Emergency Text: 106 (for deaf/hearing impaired)
• Police Non-Emergency: 131 444

Mental Health Crisis

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (24/7)
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (24/7, under 25s)

Domestic Violence

• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24/7 counselling)
• Women’s Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
• Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
• Police: 000 if in immediate danger

Substance Abuse

• DirectLine: 1800 888 236 (24/7 alcohol and drug support)
• Family Drug Support: 1300 368 186 (24/7)

Table of Contents

1. Immediate Safety Actions
2. Mental Health Crisis Response
3. Domestic Violence Emergency Plan
4. Financial Crisis Support
5. Homelessness Emergency Help
6. Medical Emergency When You Can’t Afford Care
7. Child Protection Concerns
8. Elder Abuse Emergency Response
9. After Crisis: Next Steps
10. Prevention and Safety Planning

Immediate Safety Actions

If You’re in Physical Danger RIGHT NOW

Step 1: Get to safety immediately

• Lock yourself in a room with a phone
• Go to a neighbor’s house
• Drive to the nearest police station
• Call 000 - police will come immediately

Step 2: Call emergency services

• 000 for immediate police response
• Give your exact location (street address, landmarks)
• Stay on the line until help arrives
• Follow operator instructions exactly

Step 3: Document everything

• Take photos of injuries (if safe to do so)
• Keep threatening messages/emails
• Note dates, times, and witnesses
• Medical records from any hospital visits

If Someone You Know is in Danger

Immediate Actions:

• Call 000 if they’re in immediate physical danger
• Don’t confront the abuser yourself
• Offer specific help: “Can I call someone?” “Can I drive you somewhere?”
• Respect their decisions - they know their situation best
• Keep offering support without judgment

Mental Health Crisis Response

Recognizing a Mental Health Emergency

Call 000 immediately if:

• Person has attempted suicide or is actively trying
• Talking about specific suicide plans
• Completely disconnected from reality
• Violent or threatening to hurt others
• Severe drug/alcohol poisoning

Crisis Support Steps

For Yourself:

1. Call crisis line: Lifeline 13 11 14 (free, anonymous, 24/7)
2. Safety first: Remove means of self-harm if possible
3. Stay with support: Don’t be alone - call friend/family
4. Go to hospital: If thoughts of suicide persist
5. Follow up: Book GP appointment within 24 hours

For Someone Else:

1. Ask directly: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
2. Listen without judgment: Don’t try to “fix” everything
3. Call together: Help them call Lifeline or Beyond Blue
4. Stay with them: Don’t leave them alone in crisis
5. Professional help: Help them get to GP or hospital

Mental Health Emergency Services by State

NSW:

• Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
• NSW Police: Request mental health clinician

Victoria:

• NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 60 60 24
• CATT (Crisis Assessment and Treatment Teams) via local hospital

Queensland:

• 13 HEALTH: 13 43 25 84
• Mental Health Access Line: 1300 642 255

Western Australia:

• Mental Health Emergency Response Line: 1300 555 788
• Crisis Team via nearest hospital

South Australia:

• Mental Health Triage Service: 13 14 65
• Crisis Team: Via local hospital

Tasmania:

• Mental Health Services Helpline: 1800 332 388

Northern Territory:

• Top End Mental Health Service: (08) 8922 8888
• Alice Springs: (08) 8951 4251

ACT:

• ACT Mental Health Triage: (02) 6205 1065
• Calvary Hospital: (02) 6201 6111

What to Expect at Hospital

Emergency Department Process:

1. Triage: Nurse assessment (wait times vary)
2. Mental health assessment: Specialized staff
3. Safety planning: Risk assessment and planning
4. Treatment options: Medication, counselling referrals
5. Discharge planning: Follow-up appointments, crisis plan

Your Rights:

• Right to have support person present
• Right to interpreter if needed
• Right to understand treatment options
• Right to seek second opinion
• Right to make complaints about care

Domestic Violence Emergency Plan

Immediate Escape Plan

If Violence is Happening Now:

• Call 000 immediately
• Get to safe room with door lock if possible
• Have phone ready to call for help
• Know exits from every room
• Go to neighbors, family, or friends who will help
• Police can remove the violent person from home

Safety Planning Essentials

Important Documents to Gather (keep copies in safe place):

• ID documents (passport, driver’s licence, Medicare card)
• Children’s birth certificates and ID
• Bank cards and account information
• Centrelink/Medicare cards
• Court orders (custody, intervention orders)
• Lease/mortgage documents
• Insurance policies
• Photos of injuries
• Medical records

Emergency Bag Contents (hide somewhere safe):

• Change of clothes for you and children
• Medications
• Cash (small notes)
• Phone charger
• Keys (house, car)
• Important phone numbers written down
• Children’s comfort items

Safe Communication

Phone Safety:

• Use someone else’s phone to call for help
• Clear call history and browser history
• Use computers at library, friend’s house, or work
• Change passwords on all accounts
• Set up new email account abuser doesn’t know

1800RESPECT Safety Planning:

• Call 1800 737 732 for professional safety planning
• Available 24/7 with counsellors
• Can arrange emergency accommodation
• Help with legal options (intervention orders)
• Connection to local services

Emergency Accommodation

Immediate Shelter Options:

• Women’s refuges: Safe houses with security
• Motels: Government funding available through crisis services
• Family/friends: If safe and abuser doesn’t know location
• Crisis accommodation: Short-term housing support

How to Access:

1. Call 1800RESPECT for referrals
2. Contact local community services
3. Police can help arrange emergency accommodation
4. Centrelink crisis payment available immediately

Legal Protection

Intervention Orders (called different names in different states):

• NSW: Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)
• Victoria: Family Violence Intervention Order
• Queensland: Domestic Violence Order
• WA: Violence Restraining Order
• SA: Intervention Order
• Tasmania: Family Violence Order
• NT: Domestic Violence Order
• ACT: Personal Protection Order

How to Apply:

• Police can apply for emergency order immediately
• You can apply directly at magistrates court
• Free legal advice available through Legal Aid
• Domestic violence support workers can help with applications

Financial Crisis Support

Immediate Financial Emergency

Centrelink Crisis Payment - Available Same Day:

• Amount: Up to $1,026.50 (single) / $1,700.05 (couple)
• Available for: Domestic violence, natural disaster, severe hardship
• How to apply: Call 132 717 or apply online through myGov
• No waiting period - payment available immediately

Emergency Relief:

• Salvation Army: Food, vouchers, utility bills
• St Vincent de Paul: Emergency assistance, food hampers
• Red Cross: Emergency financial assistance
• Local councils: Sometimes provide emergency relief

Food Security Emergency

Immediate Food Help:

• Foodbank Australia: Find nearest food relief via foodbank.org.au
• OzHarvest: Rescued food distribution
• Salvation Army: Food parcels and meals
• Community kitchens: Free meals (search “community kitchen” + your area)

No Questions Asked Food Services:

• Most food banks don’t require referrals
• Bring ID if you have it, but not always required
• Many services provide groceries for whole week
• Some deliver to people who can’t travel

Utility Bills Crisis

Energy Company Hardship Programs:

• All energy companies must offer payment plans
• Can’t disconnect power during extreme weather
• Payment matching schemes available
• Call your provider’s hardship team immediately

Water Bill Emergency:

• Water companies cannot disconnect for non-payment
• Payment plans and hardship grants available
• Some states offer rebates for low-income earners

Housing Crisis Support

Rental Crisis:

• Tenants’ unions: Free advice on rights and options
• Rental bond assistance: Government loans available
• Rent relief programs: COVID-19 programs may still be available
• Legal aid: Free advice on tenancy disputes

Mortgage Stress:

• Contact lender immediately - hardship provisions required
• Financial counselling: Free service via 1800 007 007
• Government first home buyer support: May be available

Homelessness Emergency Help

Tonight - Where to Sleep

Emergency Accommodation:

• Crisis accommodation: Call local homelessness service
• Hostels and refuges: Short-term safe accommodation
• Motels: Government funding may be available
• Safe parking: Some councils provide overnight parking for cars

Finding Emergency Accommodation:

1. Call Ask Izzy app or website (askizzy.org.au) for nearest services
2. Contact Link2home (NSW): 1800 152 152
3. Contact Orange Door (VIC): 1800 319 355
4. Contact local council after hours number
5. Go to nearest hospital - social workers can help

Essential Services for Homeless People

Free Services You Can Access Today:

• Showers: Community centers, swimming pools, some McDonald’s
• Laundry: Community laundromats, Salvation Army centers
• Phone charging: Libraries, community centers, shopping centers
• Internet access: Public libraries (free with library card)
• Mail address: Post office boxes, community service addresses

Health Care When Homeless

Bulk Billing Doctors:

• Healthdirect: Call 1800 022 222 to find nearest bulk billing GP
• Community health centers: Free healthcare
• Hospital emergency departments: Cannot refuse treatment
• Mobile medical services: Outreach services in major cities

Mental Health Support:

• Headspace: Free for under 25s
• Community mental health: Via local health district
• Homeless mental health teams: Specialized support

Income Support When Homeless

Centrelink Payments:

• Can use community service address for mail
• Crisis payment available immediately
• JobSeeker payment applications can be fast-tracked
• No fixed address doesn’t disqualify you from payments

Medical Emergency When You Can’t Afford Care

Emergency Medical Care is Always Free

Hospital Emergency Departments:

• Cannot refuse treatment based on ability to pay
• Present Medicare card if you have one
• If no Medicare, still must provide emergency care
• Payment plans available for non-emergency care

Bulk Billing Doctors:

• Search Healthdirect.gov.au for bulk billing GPs
• Call 1800 022 222 for 24/7 health advice
• Community health centers provide free/low-cost care

Prescription Medicine Emergency

If You Can’t Afford Medications:

• PBS Safety Net: Reduces costs after spending threshold
• Pharmaceutical benefits: Concession card holders pay $7.30 maximum
• Closing the Gap: Free medications for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Hospital pharmacies: Sometimes cheaper than commercial pharmacies

Medicine Assistance Programs:

• Some pharmaceutical companies offer free medications
• Contact medicine manufacturer directly
• GP can provide samples in emergencies
• Hospital discharge medications often provided free

Dental Emergency

Public Dental Services:

• Emergency dental: Available through public hospitals
• Waiting lists: Long for routine care, shorter for emergencies
• School dental: Free for children in most states
• Dental schools: Supervised student treatment at reduced cost

Immediate Dental Pain Relief:

• Hospital emergency department for severe pain or infection
• Pharmacist advice for over-the-counter pain relief
• Community health centers with dental services

Child Protection Concerns

If a Child is in Immediate Danger

Call 000 immediately if:

• Child is being physically or sexually abused right now
• Child is injured and needs medical attention
• Child is abandoned or unsupervised inappropriately
• Child is in immediate physical danger

Child Protection Services by State

NSW: 132 111 (24 hours) - Child Protection Helpline Victoria: 131 278 (24 hours) - Child Protection Crisis Line Queensland: 1800 177 135 (24 hours) - Child Safety After Hours Service Centre Western Australia: 1800 199 087 (24 hours) - Child Protection Crisis Care Unit South Australia: 131 611 (24 hours) - Child Abuse Report Line Tasmania: 1800 000 123 (24 hours) - Child Protection Services Northern Territory: 1800 700 250 (24 hours) - Child Protection Hotline ACT: 1300 556 729 (24 hours) - Child and Youth Protection Services

Making a Report

Information to Provide:

• Child’s name, age, and address
• Parents’/caregivers’ names
• Nature of concern (specific incidents if known)
• Any immediate danger
• Your contact details (can be anonymous)

What Happens Next:

• Assessment of risk level
• Investigation if required
• Safety planning for child
• Support services for family
• Court intervention if necessary

Supporting a Child in Crisis

If Child Discloses Abuse to You:

• Believe them and stay calm
• Don’t ask detailed questions (let professionals do this)
• Reassure them it’s not their fault
• Report to child protection services immediately
• Document exactly what they said

Elder Abuse Emergency Response

Recognizing Elder Abuse Emergency

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Poor hygiene or inappropriate clothing
• Sudden weight loss or malnutrition
• Unexplained fear of certain people

Financial Signs:

• Sudden changes to will or financial arrangements
• Missing belongings or money
• Unpaid bills despite adequate income
• New “best friends” who isolate them from family

Immediate Help for Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse Helplines:

• Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374 (business hours)
• Seniors Rights Service: 1800 424 079 (NSW)
• Elder Rights Advocacy: 1800 700 600 (VIC)

Emergency Services:

• Police: 000 if in immediate physical danger
• Adult Protective Services: Via state health department
• Public Guardian: For decision-making support

Financial Elder Abuse

Immediate Protection Steps:

• Contact banks immediately to stop suspicious transactions
• Change all passwords and PINs
• Notify Centrelink if payments are being stolen
• Contact ASIC for investment-related fraud
• Police report for financial crimes

Financial Counseling:

• National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007
• Free, confidential advice
• Help with banking and financial institution contact
• Assistance with identity theft recovery

After Crisis: Next Steps

24-48 Hours After Crisis

Medical Follow-up:

• See GP within 24 hours for mental health crisis
• Document all injuries with photos and medical records
• Fill prescriptions for any medications started
• Book specialist appointments if referred

Legal and Administrative:

• File police report if crime occurred
• Contact insurance companies if relevant
• Change locks, passwords, phone numbers if needed
• Update emergency contact information

Support Systems:

• Contact family and friends you trust
• Connect with ongoing counselling services
• Join support groups relevant to your situation
• Consider case management services

Week 1 After Crisis

Housing Stability:

• Apply for longer-term crisis accommodation if needed
• Contact housing assistance programs
• Look into community housing options
• Update address with all services

Financial Recovery:

• Apply for ongoing Centrelink payments if needed
• Set up payment plans for any bills in arrears
• Open new bank accounts if old ones compromised
• Apply for emergency grants or assistance

Health and Wellbeing:

• Establish regular GP care
• Book mental health appointments (psychologist, psychiatrist)
• Consider complementary therapies (massage, meditation)
• Restart regular routines for sleep, exercise, nutrition

Long-term Recovery Planning

Professional Support Team:

• GP for ongoing health care
• Mental health professional (psychologist, counsellor)
• Case worker or social worker
• Legal advice if ongoing issues
• Financial counsellor if money problems persist

Safety Planning:

• Review and update safety plans regularly
• Practice safety procedures with children
• Maintain emergency contact lists
• Keep important documents secure but accessible

Prevention and Safety Planning

Personal Safety Planning

Create Emergency Action Plan:

• List of emergency contacts with multiple phone numbers
• Safe places to go in each type of crisis
• Transportation options (car keys, money for taxi/uber)
• Location of important documents
• Emergency supplies (medications, phone charger)

Digital Safety:

• Use secure passwords and two-factor authentication
• Be cautious about sharing location on social media
• Know how to quickly contact help via phone
• Keep emergency numbers saved in phone

Family Safety Planning

Teach Children:

• How to call 000 and what information to give
• Safe adults they can contact for help
• Their full name, address, and parent’s phone number
• Never keep adult secrets, always tell trusted adult

Emergency Communication Plan:

• Designate out-of-state contact person
• Choose meeting places (home, neighborhood, out of area)
• Teach everyone how to use text messaging (works when calls don’t)
• Keep emergency supplies in car and home

Community Connections

Build Support Networks:

• Know your neighbors
• Join community groups or organizations
• Volunteer with local organizations
• Participate in neighborhood watch or safety groups

Know Your Local Resources:

• Nearest hospital and after-hours medical care
• Local police station and non-emergency numbers
• Community services and support organizations
• Public transportation and backup options

Resources for Ongoing Support

National Crisis Lines (Save These Numbers)

Mental Health:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Domestic Violence:

• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491

Substance Abuse:

• DirectLine: 1800 888 236

Financial Crisis:

• National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007

General Support:

• Centrelink: 132 717 (crisis payments)
• Healthdirect: 1800 022 222

State-Specific Emergency Resources

Each state has specialized emergency services - keep your state’s numbers readily available and consider printing this guide to keep in your car, wallet, or emergency kit.

Mobile Apps for Crisis Support

Essential Apps:

• Emergency Plus: Helps emergency services find your location
• Ask Izzy: Find nearby services for homelessness, food, health
• Beyond Blue Support Service: 24/7 mental health support
• 1800RESPECT: Information and support for domestic violence

Remember: You don’t have to handle any crisis alone. Australia has extensive support services, and help is always available. In any emergency, calling 000 is always the right choice - emergency services are trained to help with all types of crises.

Keep this guide accessible - print it out, save it to your phone, or bookmark this page. Share it with family, friends, and anyone who might need emergency help in Australia.

Every crisis has resources and solutions available. The first step is always reaching out for help.