Witnessing a trauma or emergency

If you require an emergency ambulance call Triple Zero (000).

Ambulance Victoria is dedicated to caring for the community

In most cases, our paramedics need to quickly transport a patient to hospital and may not be able to provide support to those bystanders, family and friends who witness, or are involved in, a traumatic event.

Your wellbeing is important to us

This is advice on dealing with the possible after-effects of witnessing, or being involved in a medical emergency. It is important that you make the time to take care of yourself and to know where you can seek further assistance should you feel it necessary. This information is provided for the purpose of providing guidance to those involved in traumatic events but does not replace professional assistance.

Coping with a traumatic event

Medical emergencies are often unexpected and can be traumatic or distressing to the people present.

Some people experience an immediate emotional or physical reaction. Sometimes this reaction is delayed, and some people appear not to have a reaction.

It is important to remember that people react in different ways.

- Anxiety or fear
- Irritability or anger
- Depression and/or grief
- Trouble sleeping
- Disturbing dreams
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reliving the event and flashbacks of aspects of the event
- Reducing social contact
- Mood swings
- Gastro-intestinal problems
- Over-reaction to noise
- Self-doubt and lack of confidence
- Pre-existing personal problems may be more difficult to deal with.
- Give yourself time to recover
- Accept that your reactions are normal given the abnormal event you have experienced
- Talk about the event with people you trust
- Be prepared to ask for professional help if necessary and/or if reactions persist or interfere with your daily activities and enjoyment of life
- Your local doctor is a good person to talk to especially if you are suffering any physical reactions following the event
- Consider what you need to help you recover e.g. having company and staying with someone rather than being home alone
- Postpone making any major life changing decisions until you are feeling better
- Try to get back to your normal routine as soon as possible
- Avoid excessive alcohol, nicotine and coffee
- Eat healthy food
- Get some exercise
- Do things you enjoy
- Spend time with people you feel comfortable with
- Regularly monitor how you are going and what you might need to assist you to deal with what you experienced.
- Reassure them that they are safe and the event is over
- Be a good listener
- Just being there is helping
- Accept that the person may not be themselves for a while
- Encourage them to resume normal routines
- Ask them what you can do to assist them and be guided by their answer
- Avoid saying “forget about it”, “pretend it didn’t happen” or “put it out of your mind”
- Allow them to make their own decisions
- Be aware that everyone is different and what may seem a small event to one person can be a major event for others
- Encourage them to see their local doctor or seek assistance from a professional

Support organisations

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are a free service for people aged 26 and over. They provide treatment, care and support for your mental health and wellbeing close to home.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians with 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Kids Help Line

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

beyondblue

Beyond Blue is here to help – whether you're seeking mental health info or free, qualified support via chat or phone.

Mensline

MensLine provide free 24/7 help, support, referrals and counselling services for men via telephone, online and video.

SANE Helpline

SANE is for people with recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma, and for their families, friends and communities.

Nurse-on-call

The NURSE-ON-CALL helpline provides Victorians health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Family Drug Help @ Sharc

Self Help Addiction Resource Centre

Amber Community: Road incident support and education

Amber Community, a not-for-profit organisation, is dedicated to providing road incident support and education for the safety and wellbeing of road users.

Red Nose

Australia’s leading authority on safe sleep advice, pregnancy support, and bereavement support, helping families affected by stillbirth, baby, or child loss.

Griefline

Griefline provides free national grief helpline, community forums, and resources to help Australians navigate loss with care and understanding.

The Compassionate Friends Victoria

Free, peer-led grief support for parents, siblings and grandparents after the death of a child, sibling or grandchild.

The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement

Grief Australia is a leading voice on grief and bereavement, providing evidence-informed counselling, training, and research to collectively strengthen the nation’s response to grief.

Victims Support Agency

The official Victorian Government service offering free information and support for people affected by crime.

Sexual Assault Crisis Line

The Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria (SACL) is a state-wide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for victim/survivors of both past and recent sexual assault.

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre provide 24/7 specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.

Rainbow Door

Rainbow Door is a free helpline and specialist support service for LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and families.

Embrace Multicultural Mental Health

Embrace Multicultural Mental Health provide multicultural communities with access to resources, links to services and translated information on mental health.

13YARN

13YARN provide crisis support 24/7 to yarn with you without judgement and provide a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns. We will work with you to explore options for on-going support. You know you will be connected to another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who will understand where you are coming from and value knowing HOW to listen, without judgement or shame.

Updated 9 June 2026