When you call an Ambulance - Triple Zero (000)

As a rule of thumb, if you think you need an Ambulance, you probably do. The Norfolk Island Ambulance service is a Community First Responder Service staffed by the volunteers of St. John Norfolk Island Division, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When you call triple zero (000), you will be prompted by a recorded message to indicate which service you require (ambulance, police, or fire). You will then be transferred to a triage nurse at NIHRACS. Again, if you think you need help, you probably do, people are here to help, day or night.

Give your phone number and the address where the injured or sick person is. If you are located at one of the hotels or accommodation properties, give the location as best you can, be as specific as possible.

Describe the problem and what has happened, how many people are involved, the injured or sick person’s age and gender, and if they are conscious or breathing, again be as specific as possible, this will allow the ambulance service and NIHRACS to respond appropriately and call in extra resources if they are needed. This is really important at night-time when limited staff are at NIHRACS.

Depending on how serious the problem is, the nurse may give you first aid instructions over the phone. Do not hang up until the nurse tells you to. If possible, advise the accommodation where you are staying that you have called an ambulance, this will help the ambulance find you.

Be prepared for when the ambulance arrives. If someone else is with you, have them wait outside to flag down the ambulance and make sure outside lights are on and doors are unlocked and open so they can access your house. Sometimes these little things to help can make the world of difference.

Our next skill drill will be held Tuesday 25 July, 18:30 at the Ambulance Shed on Grassy Road (on the right-hand side as you enter the NIHRACS site). We are always looking to strengthen our volunteer team If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer or, for more information, please email norfolk.island@stjohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au. You may contact myself, James, at any time on 51802.