NSW Ambulance - Doyalson Station

Also known as
  • Ambulance Service of NSW
  • New South Wales Ambulance
  • Ambulance Service of New South Wales
About Us

We are committed to providing high quality clinical care and health related transport services to over 7.5 million people in NSW, distributed across an area of 801,600 square kilometres. 

The average number of ambulance responses decreased by 1.3 per cent over the past year. The primary factor contributing to this decreased total activity is due to the transfer of responsibility for a major part of the Non-Emergency (P 5, 6, 7) activity to Health Share in May 2014. 

In 2015/16 we provided 1,115,635 total responses (both emergency and non-emergency) compared to 1,127,545 total responses in 2014/15.There were on average 3048 responses per day - this is equivalent to a response every 28 seconds. 

We employ over 4,500 people, with 90 per cent being operational staff involved in the frontline delivery of services. This includes paramedics and specialised areas such as intensive care and extended care paramedics, special operations, counter disaster, aeromedical and medical retrieval. The remaining 10 per cent of our workforce are corporate and support staff who assist in the delivery of services, including mechanical workshops,finance and payroll, human resources and administration. 

Our website will provide you with a range of information on Ambulance - what we do, how to access our services and call for an ambulance in a medical emergency, important patient and community information, employment opportunities and our contact details. 

We welcome your ideas and feedback on our website, which you can provide by simply clicking on the "contact us" link at the top of each page. I would also encourage you to read our community newsletter,Community Sirens, by clicking on the link on the front page of this site. 

Why do I have to pay for an ambulance?
NSW Ambulance is required to charge a fee for the service provided in accordance with the scale of fees approved by the NSW Ministry of Health. Ambulance has an obligation to recover payment of accounts due to the considerable costs involved in providing services, and follows up payments for outstanding accounts
Will Medicare cover ambulance accounts?
No, Medicare doesn't cover the cost of the provision of ambulance services
Who decides the fees for ambulance services?
NSW Ambulance fees are determined by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, and represent the actual cost of the provision of ambulance services. In NSW, all revenue earned through the charging of fees is used to provide ongoing funding for ambulance services within NSW.
Are any ambulance services provided free of charge?
Ambulance services in NSW are provided free of charge to concession card holders, including pensioners. NSW Ambulance also has a policy in place for patients who are under financial hardship and unable to pay for our services. ‘Ambulance only' insurance cover is available from major private health insurers in NSW to enable policy holders to avoid ambulance fees.
If I call Triple Zero (000) will an ambulance arrive straight away?
When you call Triple Zero (000), the control centre officer will ask you a series of questions. The answers you give will be used to determine the type of response required.
How does the control centre officer know if I need an ambulance?
Control centre officers are highly skilled and trained in using the internationally recognised Medical Priority Dispatch System. It's important that you answer the control centre officer's questions accurately, as your answers will determine the type of response.
I think I'm having a heart attack. How long will it take for an ambulance to arrive?
If you have a life-threatening condition, like chest pain or chest tightness, breathing difficulties, sudden numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, the nearest ambulance will be sent straight away under lights and sirens.
If an ambulance arrives, will I be taken to hospital?
Not every patient who is treated by a paramedic will be taken to hospital. Some patients will not require transport.
If I go by ambulance, will I be seen by a doctor sooner?
No. It's a common misconception that arriving at hospital in an ambulance will result in you receiving treatment sooner. All patients arriving at an emergency department are assessed, triaged, prioritised and treated according to their medical condition, whether they arrive by ambulance or other means.
I called Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance, therefore it's an emergency
We understand that when people around you are sick and you don't know what to do, it can be very stressful. A life threatening emergency will always be given priority and responded to as an emergency. Ambulance Triple Zero (000) call takers are trained to provide first aid advice over the phone, so treatment of the patient can commence before an Ambulance is on scene.
What is secondary triage?
Secondary triage refers to a system whereby calls to Triple Zero (000) which are initially triaged as not requiring an emergency response, are transferred to a registered nurse who provides medical advice over the phone.
Is transferring me to secondary triage a way of getting rid of me?
No. The secondary triage process is conducted by registered nurses who provide expert advice and identify the right health service for your need.