Special events
Our ambulances can go to special events so organisers can meet their duty of care and public liability insurance requirements.
Special events include:
- sporting events
- agricultural, industrial or commercial exhibitions and shows
- rodeos, campdrafts or other events with horses
- processions, fetes, fairs or fun runs.
Special event services
We have 2 types of services for special events.
- Standby ambulance services
- Dedicated ambulance services
Standby ambulance service
Our standby ambulance service is for events where there’s a low risk of people getting injured or becoming unwell. Your event must be close to an ambulance station.
We may also need to leave to respond to emergency ambulance requests.
This is a free service, but event organisers must pay for any direct, out-of-pocket expenses we incur at your event.
Our standby ambulance services may not be available in regions where there’s a high demand for ambulance services.
Dedicated ambulance service
Our dedicated ambulance service is for events where there’s a higher risk of people getting seriously injured or unwell. For example, horse or motor racing, rodeos, professional sports matches and marathons.
We won’t respond to emergency medical incidents outside your venue except in extraordinary circumstances.
There are fees for this service, but you may be able to claim a subsidy. Read more about our standard call-out fees on the Queensland Government website.
How to book our services
You can book one of our services by calling Smart Service Queensland on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or by filling in our booking form.
You must give us the following information at least 21 days before your event.
- Type of event, for example, sports or entertainment
- Location
- Date, time and duration of the event
- Number of people expected to participate
- Number of people expected to attend
- Contact name and address for the special event organiser
We also need to know why you need an ambulance at your event. For example, duty of care or public liability insurance.
We’ll review your booking and let you know if we have enough vehicles and officers to attend. If we do, we’ll send you a quote in 2 to 4 business days. This will include the service we recommend and an estimated cost.
You must return a signed copy of the quote at least 7 days before your event.
Standing offer agreements for frequent events
We have standing offer agreements for regular events, such as horse racing or football matches. This means you won’t need a signed quote for each event or a variation to an event.
For more information call Smart Service Queensland on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
How much our services cost
For a dedicated ambulance service, you’ll be responsible for all costs including:
- a minimum of 3 hours per event, including travel time and vehicle preparation
- time spent at your event
- travel time for each officer, with a maximum of 2 hours each way
- one hour to prepare the ambulance and then restore it for operational service – this applies to each ambulance
- any other direct, out-of-pocket expenses we incur.
Our quote is only an estimated cost. We’ll send you a final invoice after your event for the time we were there, and other expenses listed above.
Read more about our standard call-out fees on the Queensland Government website.
Free or low cost services
We may supply free or reduced cost services for events that:
- aren’t for commercial benefit
- don’t generate revenue for event organisers
- don’t involve high risk activities
- significantly benefits the wider community.
Call Smart Service Queensland on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for more information.
Cancellations
We need at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel your booking.
If you give us less notice, we’ll charge you a fee of up to 50% of the estimated cost for the first day of your event.
Patients who don't live in Queensland
If we treat or transport a patient who doesn’t live in Queensland, they’ll be charged fees under the Ambulance Service Regulation 2015.
Read more about ambulance costs for visitors on the Queensland Government website.