Emergency

In a life-threatening emergency, call 000 now

Don't wait and don't second-guess yourself. If someone is seriously hurt or their life is at risk, call emergency services immediately and ask for the help you need.

Call 000 Vitala Nurse Line: 1800 000 360

Know the warning signs

Recognising an emergency early can save a life. If you notice any of these, treat it as urgent.

Signs of a heart attack

Pressure, tightness or pain in the chest
Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back
Cold sweat, nausea or sudden breathlessness

Signs of a stroke

Face drooping on one side
Weakness or numbness in an arm
Slurred or confused speech — act fast on time

Severe breathing difficulty

Unable to speak a full sentence
Lips or skin turning blue or grey
Choking or gasping that won't ease

Serious bleeding

Bleeding that won't stop with pressure
A deep wound or possible internal injury
Signs of shock such as pale, clammy skin

Severe allergic reaction

Swelling of the face, lips or throat
Sudden difficulty breathing or wheezing
Use an adrenaline injector if prescribed

Mental health crisis

Thoughts of harming yourself or others
Feeling unable to stay safe right now
You are never a burden — reach out today

While help is on the way

Stay calm and steady

The moments before help arrives matter. These simple steps can make a real difference.

Stay with the person and keep them calm and still.
If they're unconscious but breathing, place them on their side.
Be ready to share your exact location and what happened.
Only start CPR if you're trained and they're not breathing normally.