Did you know: Ambulances are not a free service

Did you know: Ambulances are not a free service

ACT Ambulance Service - Patient transport

ACT Ambulance Service logoThe ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) is responsible for providing emergency and non-emergency ambulance services to the ACT community.

In providing emergency ambulance services, ACTAS include at least one intensive care paramedic (ICP) on every emergency ambulance. This is the highest level of pre-hospital clinical care provided by any ambulance service in Australia. Non-emergency ambulance services are provided by ICP and Patient Transport Service resources. Patient Transport Service crews undertake routine ambulance transport of patients to, from and between hospitals and other medical facilities.

Unfortunately use of the ACT Ambulance Service is NOT a free Service* and fees and charges reflect the cost of providing a quality and responsive ambulance service by intensive care paramedics 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

* Certain exemptions may apply

The current (as at July 2009) Ambulance Fees & Charges 2009-10 and Frequently asked questions document is reproduced below: 

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Calling an Ambulance

There are two numbers to call for ambulance assistance: triple zero (000) for an emergency and (02) 6207-9900 for a non-emergency. The classification of an emergency or non-emergency is determined by the Ambulance Communications Officer when taking the call. If you have any doubts, please dial triple zero (000) and they will advise you of the best possible course of action.

In case of an emergency dial triple zero (000)

Examples of medical emergencies include:

  • sudden collapse
  • chest pain
  • breathing difficulty
  • motor vehicle/cycle accident
  • fractured bones
  • uncontrollable bleeding

For non-emergency ambulance transport, dial (02) 6207-9900

For non-emergency transport, an ambulance may be organised by an authorised staff member at a hospital, doctor’s surgery or health facility. In these cases ambulance transport is arranged for you if you are not well enough to travel by private or public transport.  This might be with an emergency response ambulance or the Patient Transport Service, depending on the medical condition.

Examples of non-emergency stretcher ambulance transport include:

  • Admission to hospital from home
  • Discharges from hospital to home
  • Inter hospital transfers
  • Transports to and from nursing homes
  • Transports to and from specialist and diagnostic centres
  • Transfer of patients to and from Air Ambulance / airports
  • Patients requiring day treatment

For more information please visit the
ACT Ambulance Service website


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