Lifestyle

When accidents or medical emergencies happen, the rapid response of a state ambulance service can be the difference between life and death.

The paramedics who attend with the ambulance are highly trained in emergency medical care and life support. They provide immediate care and if necessary, continue that treatment for the journey to hospital. 

Just like in the emergency department of a hospital, ambulance crews are dispatched according to the level of urgency. For a life-threatening injury or medical condition, they are sent immediately. For non-life-threatening medical assistance, the ambulance crew is sent as soon as possible. 

The ambulance service is a precious resource for the community. It should not be called instead of a taxi. And it should not be called instead of a nurse or GP for non-urgent situations. These types of calls could take the ambulance away from patients who need life-saving care.

When should you call the ambulance? 

The advice from Australian ambulance service providers is to call ‘Triple Zero’ (000) if you or someone else is experiencing:

  • chest pain, tightness or difficulty breathing
  • signs of a stroke (weakness in the face, arm, leg, or difficulty speaking)
  • unconsciousness, seizure or collapse
  • uncontrolled bleeding
  • major trauma from an accident or physical assault
  • severe burns.

When you call triple zero, you’ll be asked if you need police, fire or ambulance. Then you’ll need to provide:

  • the address of the emergency, nearest intersection or landmark 
  • the nature of the emergency
  • your phone number
  • the approximate age and the condition of the patient (talking, conscious, breathing).

After assessing the situation, the call-taker will send the ambulance.  

What is the cost?

Even a short trip in an ambulance can be expensive – around $1400 for a five-kilometre metropolitan trip in Melbourne. The cost can be thousands of dollars for a rural location. And the charge cannot be claimed through Medicare.

That’s why it is highly recommended that everyone takes out an ambulance subscription or health insurance that covers them for the cost of ambulance treatment (residents of Queensland and Tasmania are covered by their state government).

The rules, service charges and subscription fees differ from state to state. But ambulance cover with Defence Health will cover you Australia-wide for emergency and clinically necessary non-emergency ambulance treatment by road, air or sea. There are no limits or caps to Defence Health ambulance cover.

Ambulance cover is included in every Defence Health policy. For complete peace of mind, get a quote for Defence Health hospital or extras cover today. 

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