We answer around 3,200 Triple Zero (000) calls every day.
We provide an emergency ambulance response for serious medical emergencies like:
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
- loss of consciousness
- chest pain
- significant blood loss
- head injury
- heart attack
- stroke.
When you call Triple Zero (000), we'll ask questions about the patient's condition to ensure that people who need the most urgent care are seen faster. Read more about calling an ambulance.
In some cases, an ambulance may not be needed, and we'll give you information about where you can get help.
Ambulance transfer to hospital
If you need to go to hospital, we’ll usually take you to the nearest public hospital able to treat you. You can ask to be taken to a private hospital, but we’re not always able to.
For more information see Ambulance Service Regulation 2015 on the Queensland Legislation website.
Lost property
If you think you’ve left something in an ambulance, please contact your local regional office.
Lights and sirens
We only use lights and sirens when responding to life-threatening situations. We know that sirens can be disruptive, and we don’t use them unless we need to. We use lights and sirens to get through traffic and intersections quickly while keeping paramedics and other road users safe.
If an emergency vehicle is coming towards you with a siren or flashing lights, you must move out of the way as soon as you can safely.
You should slow down and move left so the vehicle has a clear run down the middle of the road. If you can’t move left safely, stay where you are and let the vehicle overtake you.
You can legally drive onto the wrong side of the road or drive through a red traffic light to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle if you can safely do so.
Cartoonish voice: "Help me, my leg is missing. Help Me. Call Triple zero."
Paramedic Kent: "Ambulances are on the road every day, helping people who really need it.
Sometimes it's life or death.
Here's what you should do if you come across an ambulance with its lights and sirens on.
When it's safe to do so, slow down and shift your car to the left.
If that's not doable, then slow down and let the ambulance pass you at an intersection.
If you have a green light or arrow and you see an ambulance coming with its lights and sirens on, always give way for the ambulance.
Stay vigilant and avoid sudden moves.
Another emergency vehicle might be following close behind.
Remember, it's legal to hop onto the other side of the road, if it's safe to do so, to let an emergency vehicle pass, as well as move through a red light on an intersection.
If you see an emergency vehicle with its lights on and part of an emergency scene, remember to move over and slow down."
Cartoonish voice: "We're here to save the day! You're gonna be okay little man. You're gonna be okay. We're gonna get you off to hospital in a jiffy."
Ambulance costs
Queensland residents
There's no cost for ambulance treatment and transport for Queensland residents. This includes treatment and transport that takes place in other parts of Australia.
Read more about interstate ambulance treatment or transport for Queensland residents on the Queensland Government website. There's also information about what you should do if you've been sent an invoice for ambulance treatment in another state.
Visitors to Queensland
If you don’t live in Queensland, you’ll be charged for ambulance treatment and transport. If you have ambulance cover in another state it may cover the cost for you.
Find out more about our fees and invoices for visitors to Queensland on the Queensland Government website.