Support and wellbeing after an emergency
It’s common to experience distress after a serious or traumatic event. Symptoms can happen immediately, or days or weeks later and look different for everyone. Symptoms can include:
Emotional Reactions
Crying, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, anger
Cognitive Effects
Confusion, difficulty concentrating, intrusive thoughts
Physical Symptoms
Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, cold sweats, shaking, head and stomach pains
Behavioural changes
Disruptive sleep, social withdrawal, isolation, increased substance use
Support is available
Trauma and psychological support services are available to help you.
24/7 Helplines
Grief
Mental Health
Youth
Indigenous and Multicultural Support
Dealing with death
Expected death
If a person dies at home or somewhere other than a health facility, and the death was expected:
- A family member or loved one should contact the person’s GP or medical practitioner.
- The GP or practitioner will certify the death.
- Then, the family or representative needs to contact a funeral director.
- The funeral director will take the deceased into their care.
Sudden death
When someone dies unexpectedly, unnaturally, violently, due to injury, or while in care:
- The Coroner’s Court of Western Australia is notified.
- After receiving the report, the coroner takes legal control of the body.
- The coroner investigates the cause and circumstances of the death.
Need help specific to you or your case?
Health Consumers' Council of Western Australia (HCC)
HCC’s Advocacy Service provides flexible, individualised support, including providing information about your health rights, helping you to get linked with a service, attending appointments with you and assisting you to make a complaint.
WA Health Medical Records
Hospitals and health service providers manage their own patient records. To access your medical records, you will need to directly contact the hospital or health service where you were a patient. See the WA Health freedom of information contacts list for public hospital and health service provider contact information.
Health and Disability Services Complaints Office
Complaints and enquiries line: (08) 6551 7600
Free call from landlines: 1800 813 583
Phone: (08) 6551 7620 (Administration)
Email: mail@hadsco.wa.gov.au
Website: www.hadsco.wa.gov.au
Contact Us
General Enquiries
Phone: (08) 9334 1222
Email: stjohn@stjohnwa.com.au
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First Aid Training
Phone: (08) 9334 1233
Email: firstaid@stjohnwa.com.au
First Aid Products
Phone: (08) 9334 1233
Email: sales@stjohnwa.com.au
Billing Information
Western Australia operates a 'user pays' ambulance service that requires patients to pay for the high-quality care they receive. St John WA's fees are set in agreement with the WA Department of Health.
There are circumstances where you might not be responsible for the bill or the full amount.
- The patient is responsible for paying their ambulance bill.
- It’s recommended to look into support options relevant to private health, motor vehicle accidents, injuries at work, veterans, pensioners and over 65, and victims of crime.
Phone: (08) 9334 1222
Email: billing@stjohnwa.com.au