Quick Answer
Life-threatening emergencies: Call 000. Mental health crisis: Call Lifeline 1300 234 673. Medical advice (non-emergency): Call 13 HEALTH or Healthdirect 1800 022 222. Need an interpreter: Call TIS 131 450. University or embassy support: Contact your institution or nearest Chinese consulate.
Emergency Medical: Call 000
When to Call 000
Dial immediately for:
- ✓ Chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing
- ✓ Unconsciousness, loss of awareness
- ✓ Severe bleeding, deep wounds
- ✓ Poisoning, overdose
- ✓ Severe burns
- ✓ Bone fracture or spine injury (don’t move patient)
- ✓ Choking, drowning
- ✓ Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- ✓ Stroke signs (facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
- ✓ Serious traffic accident
- ✓ Fire, explosion
How to Call 000
Making the Call:
- Dial 000 on any phone (mobile, landline, public phone)
- Mobile: Works even without credit, SIM card, or signal
- Dispatcher asks: “Fire, Ambulance, or Police?”
- Answer: “Ambulance” (for medical)
What to Say:
- Current location (street, building, landmark)
- Symptoms (“chest pain,” “unconscious,” “heavy bleeding”)
- Patient awareness, breathing, pulse
- Your phone number (in case call drops)
While Waiting:
- Dispatcher may teach CPR if needed
- Don’t hang up until ambulance arrives
- Move to a safe location if possible
Important:
- Don’t drive yourself to hospital (delays care)
- Paramedics are trained; follow their instructions
- If language is difficult, tell dispatcher “Chinese interpreter needed” (noted for hospital)
Ambulance Costs and OSHC
State-by-State Costs:
- NSW: Free (government-funded)
- Victoria: Free (government-funded)
- Queensland: $800–1200 (student pays, OSHC may reimburse)
- WA: $600–900 (student pays, OSHC may reimburse)
- SA: $500–700 (student pays, OSHC may reimburse)
OSHC Reimbursement:
- Some plans include ambulance; others don’t
- If not included, submit invoice to OSHC for 70–100% reimbursement
- Keep ambulance bill, hospital documents, and receipts
Non-Emergency Medical Advice
13 HEALTH (State Medical Hotline)
Number: 13 HEALTH (13 4325) Available: 24/7, 365 days Service: Symptom assessment, clinic referral, appointment assistance
What They Do:
- Ask about your symptoms
- Advise if you need urgent, routine, or home care
- Provide nearby clinic locations
- Arrange appointments (some clinics)
Example Call:
Operator: "NSW Health Hotline, how can I help?"
You: "I've had a bad headache and fever for 3 days."
Operator: "I recommend seeing a GP today. The nearest clinic is [address]. Would you like me to book an appointment?"
You: "Yes, please."Advantages:
- Free, no OSHC interaction
- Staffed by medical professionals (nurses/doctors)
- Direct booking possible
Healthdirect Triage: 1800 022 222
Number: 1800 022 222 Available: 24/7, 365 days Service: Nurse triage and guidance
What They Provide:
- Nurse assessment (5–15 minutes)
- Recommendation: self-care, telehealth, after-hours, hospital
- Pharmacy information
- Self-care advice
Example Call:
Nurse: "Healthdirect, what are your symptoms?"
You: "Diarrhoea and stomach pain, but no fever."
Nurse: "Probably gastroenteritis. Stay hydrated, rest. If it persists 3 days or worsens, see a GP. No need for emergency. Nearest after-hours clinic is [address]."13 YARN (Mental Health Guidance)
Number: 13 YARN (13 9276) Available: Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00 Service: Mental health assessment and counselling referral
Use For:
- Anxiety, depression, stress evaluation
- Psychologist or psychiatrist referral
- Student mental health resources
Mental Health Crisis Support
Lifeline (Suicide and Crisis Hotline) – Most Important
Number: 1300 234 673 Available: 24/7, 365 days Language: English (interpretation available) Cost: Completely free
Call If You:
- Have thoughts of suicide
- Feel hopeless or helpless
- Want to self-harm
- Feel your life has no meaning
- Emotional breakdown, can’t cope
- Heartbreak, academic failure, loneliness overwhelming you
Sample Call:
Operator: "Lifeline, I'm Sarah. How are you?"
You: "I feel really hopeless. I've thought about hurting myself."
Operator: "I'm sorry you're going through this. Are you safe right now?"
You: "Yes, I'm in my dorm."
Operator: "Good. Let's talk about what's happening..."
(Operator listens, empathises, offers coping strategies)Key Points:
- Trained volunteer counsellors (confidential)
- Won’t force hospital admission (suggestion only)
- Non-judgmental listening
- Long calls normal (30 minutes–1 hour common)
Beyond Blue (Depression and Anxiety Support)
Number: 1300 224 636 Online Chat: beyondblue.org.au Available: 24/7 Services: Depression and anxiety support, long-term counselling referral, work stress help
Kids Helpline (Age 5–25)
Number: 1800 551 800 Online Chat: kidshelpline.com.au Available: 24/7 Target: Young people under 25
Black Dog Institute (Mental Health Resources)
Website: blackdoginstitute.org.au Services: Free mental health tools, self-assessments, coping strategies Note: Counselling requires online booking (not a hotline)
Language Support
TIS (Translating and Interpreting Service) – Critical
Number: 131 450 Available: 24/7, 365 days Cost: Free for medical; other services may charge Languages: 200+, including Mandarin Chinese
When to Use:
- Your English isn’t fluent; need help talking to medical staff
- Doctor doesn’t understand your symptoms
- Government services require interpreter
How to Call:
- Dial 131 450
- Tell operator your language (“Chinese Mandarin”)
- Operator connects you to interpreter
- Interpreter joins call (three-way conference)
Medical Calls: Usually free (government subsidy); other calls may incur fees after 15 minutes.
University and Student Support
University International Student Services
University of Sydney
- Office: International Student Support
- Phone: +61 2 9351 4842
UNSW Sydney
- Office: International Student Centre
- Phone: +61 2 9385 2499
University of Melbourne
- Office: International Student Support
- Phone: +61 3 9035 3999
Monash University
- Office: Student Support
- Phone: +61 3 9905 3000
Services: Mental health referrals, emergency housing, academic help, visa support
Chinese Embassy and Consulate Support
Chinese Embassy in Canberra
Address: Beijing, China (liaison office) Website: au.china-embassy.org/chn/ Emergency Line: +61 2 6228 3999 (Sydney, emergencies only)
Chinese Consulates in Australia
| City | Office | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | General Consulate | +61 2 9331 2000 |
| Melbourne | General Consulate | +61 3 9825 0001 |
| Brisbane | General Consulate | +61 7 3012 8090 |
| Perth | General Consulate | +61 8 9321 7715 |
When to Contact:
- Passport lost or damaged
- Physical assault or crime victim
- Detained or arrested
- Serious medical emergency (need home family involvement)
- Life-threatening situation
Chinese Student Organisations
Available in each state:
- Sydney Chinese Student Association
- Chinese Student Association Melbourne
- Brisbane Chinese Student Association
- Perth Chinese Student Association
Services: Peer support, community belonging, crisis communication, mental health discussion groups
Common Emergency Scenarios
Scenario 1: Severe Abdominal Pain at Night
Assessment:
- Can you tolerate the pain and wait until morning? → Healthdirect 1800 022 222
- Pain unbearable? → Call 000 or go to hospital emergency
- Moderate pain, fever → After-hours clinic
Action:
- Call Healthdirect to assess
- If directed to emergency → Call 000 (ambulance)
- Bring student ID, OSHC card, passport copy
- Keep receipt for OSHC claim
Scenario 2: Mental Health Crisis, Suicidal Thoughts
Immediately:
- Tell someone nearby (friend, roommate)
- Call Lifeline 1300 234 673 (don’t wait)
- Stay on the phone; talk to counsellor
- If in immediate danger → Call 000
Follow-Up:
- Tell your university international office
- Arrange GP or counsellor (free or subsidised through OSHC)
- Create a safety plan with counsellor
Scenario 3: Minor Injury (Sprained Ankle, Small Wound)
Steps:
- If weekday → Call your GP; can usually see same day
- If weekend → After-hours clinic (walk-in)
- Bring OSHC card; confirm bulk-billed
- If badly swollen/unable to walk → Call 000 or go to hospital emergency
Scenario 4: Language Barrier at Doctor’s Office
Solution:
- At reception: “I need a Chinese interpreter”
- Clinic arranges or you call TIS 131 450
- Interpreter joins (three-way call or on-site)
- No extra cost for medical interpretation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will calling 000 for ambulance force me to hospital? A: Yes. Once you call, paramedics assess and transport if medically needed. Cannot refuse. You can later sign AMA (Against Medical Advice) to leave.
Q: Will Lifeline tell others or affect my visa? A: No. Lifeline is confidential; they won’t report to anyone (unless imminent danger to others). Does not affect your visa.
Q: How much does psychology cost? A: GP referral to psychologist: 10 sessions free yearly (Medicare subsidy). Private psychologist/psychiatrist: $150–300/hour (OSHC/Medicare can partially reimburse).
Q: Can I refuse medical care if I don’t speak English well? A: Not recommended. Use TIS 131 450 or clinic-provided interpreter. Refusing care delays diagnosis and is your liability.
Sources:
- Emergency Services Australia: https://www.000.com.au/
- Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
- Healthdirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
- Services Australia: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
- Chinese Embassy: https://au.china-embassy.org/chn/
- TIS National: https://www.tisnational.gov.au/
Last updated: 2026-05-30
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