Should I call an ambulance if someone is expected to die at home?

Australia · 29 August 2026 · 4 min read · Reviewed by Dr Kane Treble

Not automatically.

Not automatically. If the person is expected to die at home and there is an agreed plan, you usually follow that plan and call the doctor, palliative care team or after-hours number you were given.

Call 000 if there is a life-threatening emergency outside the expected plan, the death is unexpected, the person is in immediate danger, you suspect overdose or injury, or you cannot get help and the situation feels unsafe.

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you exactly what is happening in one person's situation. If you have concerns about a symptom, medicine, treatment decision or change in someone's condition, contact their doctor, palliative care team, nurse or other treating health professional.

What an expected home death plan should cover

Before the person is very close to death, ask the team:

who to call if symptoms worsen
who to call after hours
what medicines are available for comfort
what signs of dying to expect
what to do when breathing stops
who can verify death
whether ambulance should be called in any specific situation
where care documents are kept

Write the answers down. When someone dies, families often feel shocked even when death was expected.

After an expected death

Healthdirect advises that after an expected death at home, you can call the person's doctor or palliative care team when you are ready. If death happens during the night, you may be able to wait until morning before calling a doctor.

There is no legal requirement to call ambulance or police straight away for an expected home death. Local processes can differ, so follow the plan from the treating team.

When to get help now

Call 000 if:

death or collapse is unexpected
the person is not receiving end-of-life care and you do not know what is happening
there is severe uncontrolled bleeding
there has been a serious fall or injury
choking is happening
you suspect overdose or a medicine error causing danger
someone in the home is unsafe
the palliative care team tells you to call 000

If you call, tell the operator and paramedics that the person is receiving palliative care and is expected to die at home, if that is true. Mention any advance care directive, resuscitation plan, goals of care plan or ambulance care plan.

If symptoms are frightening but death has not occurred

For pain, breathlessness, agitation, noisy breathing, restlessness or trouble swallowing, use the written palliative care plan and call the palliative care team or after-hours service. These symptoms may be manageable at home.

If symptoms are severe and no one can help promptly, seek urgent medical advice. Call 000 if there is immediate danger.

Why planning prevents unwanted hospital trips

Many people prefer to stay at home if symptoms can be managed. A rushed ambulance call can lead to transfer to hospital, especially if paramedics do not have clear documents or cannot confirm the plan.

This is not the family's fault. It is a sign that planning matters. Ask early for clear documents, medicine instructions and after-hours contacts.

If you feel unable to keep caring at home

Wanting a home death does not mean care must stay at home no matter what. If symptoms cannot be controlled, carers are exhausted, or the home situation is unsafe, the plan can change. Call the palliative care team. Hospital, hospice, respite or inpatient palliative care may be appropriate.