What we collect and how we use it

We record treatment and transport information on iPads or other tablets every time we see or take someone to hospital.

We call these records electronic Ambulance Report Forms (eARFs).

If you’re transferred to a hospital, a copy of your eARF is printed when you get there and stored by the hospital with your patient file. This is so hospital staff can provide ongoing treatment and care.

We keep these records in line with the Public Records Act 2002. We can access copies of most records dating back to 1 July 1995.

We take care to protect your privacy and store your personal information securely. We collect, use and disclose patient information under the:

Read more about how we manage your personal information in our privacy plan.

Who can request a copy of patient records

You can request a copy of your own eARFs. You can also make a request on behalf of someone else, for example if you are:

  • making the request as the parent or guardian of a child under 14
  • making a request under an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA)
  • a health professional (for patients under your care)
  • a lawyer
  • an insurance company (fees may apply).

How to make a request

You must send your request in writing, by either email or post. We can't share information over the phone or in person unless we have a written request.

You'll also need to provide:

  • case details
  • evidence of identity
  • additional information if you're making a request on behalf of someone else.

Case details

You must include the following case details so we can search for your record.

Patient details

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Address

Incident details

  • Date
  • Location (street address) of the call out
  • Where the patient was transported to (facility), if applicable

Evidence of identity

You must also include evidence of your identity, such as your:

  • birth certificate
  • extract of a birth certificate
  • current Australian Passport
  • current Queensland or interstate drivers licence or learner licence
  • certificate of Naturalisation or Australian citizenship.

We don't keep copies of your evidence of identity. Once we have confirmed your identity, we delete or destroy the copies you have sent us.

Additional evidence

You'll need to provide more evidence if you're making a request on behalf of someone else.

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA)

You must include a certified copy of the EPOA and evidence of your identity, as listed above.

Health professional 

  • Evidence of your identity and qualification
  • Signed and current authority from your patient

Lawyer or insurance company

  • Evidence of your identity and qualification, such as using your practice letterhead when you write to us
  • Signed and current authority from the patient for each eARF

Send your request

You can send your request and supporting documents by email or post.

Email
QAS.PatientRecords@ambulance.qld.gov.au

Post
Patient Records Officer
Strategy, Governance and Legal Unit
Queensland Ambulance Service
Mail Cluster 9.2
GPO Box 2477
Brisbane Qld 4001

Fees

If you're requesting your own record, or the request is on your behalf, you won't pay any fees.

For all other requests, there's a fee of $60.20 including GST (as at 1 July 2023), per request. You can either send us a cheque payable to Queensland Ambulance Service, or we can send you an invoice.

If we can't process your request under the administrative access scheme, we'll refund any fees you've paid.

For more information about patient record requests call 07 3635 3371.

Requests for other records

You'll need to apply under the Right to Information Act 2009 if you're requesting information about:

  • a deceased person
  • Triple Zero (000) calls
  • any other records.

Read more about how to lodge a Right to Information (RTI) request on the Queensland Health website.

Subpoenas and other court documents

All requests for giving evidence at court must be served on the individual officer. Document requests, including subpoenas, should be addressed to the Director-General, Queensland Health.

Address for service

Street address
Legal Branch, level 6
33 Charlotte Street
Brisbane Qld 4000

By post
Legal Branch
GPO Box 48
Brisbane Qld 4001

By email
LU_Subpoenas@health.qld.gov.au

More information

  • Subpoenas and other court documents call the Queensland Health legal branch on 07 3082 0536.
  • Patient record requests call us 07 3635 3371.
  • All other enquiries visit our contact page.

Last updated: December 2024

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