Whether you go to the Emergency Department for care depends on the severity and urgency of your illness or injury.

Before you come to Emergency, consider how urgently you need to see a doctor. Sometimes, accessing treatment in Emergency is not the best option.

In many cases, the Emergency Department may refer you to a general practitioner (GP), a Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC) or pharmacy for care.

Is it an emergency?

If you're not sure whether your situation is an emergency:

If you or another person needs urgent, life-threatening medical care, call Triple Zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Other options to the Emergency Department

There are several alternative care providers available in our local area, including after hours.

Where to go instead of Emergency

There are several alternative care providers available in the area local to the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH), including after-hours services.

Find out more
Online and telephone services

There are online services available for non-life threatening emergencies, as well as telephone helplines available for non-urgent medical advice and mental health crisis support.

Find out more

When to call Triple Zero (000)

Call Triple Zero (000) if you or another person is experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Central or crushing chest pain lasting more than 10 minutes
  • Unconsciousness or a seizure (fit)
  • Severe difficulty breathing or turning blue
  • Severe bleeding or inability to control bleeding with pressure
  • Sudden inability to move or speak, or sudden facial drooping
  • The effects of a severe accident

For other symptoms, or if you're not sure, use Healthdirect's online symptom checker, or call NURSE-ON-CALL.

Healthdirect symptom checker NURSE-ON-CALL service
Related pages
Options for getting help 
Crisis, care and treatment options 
Hospital care