AusAlert national emergency warning system test – preparing practices and patients

On 27 July, the national emergency warning system AusAlert will be tested across Australia. The test will trigger a very loud alert sound on mobile phones and compatible devices, even when phones are on silent, and will display an emergency-style message.

While this is only a test, the alert may be confusing or distressing for some patients, particularly people with disability, people with lived experience of trauma, older people, and those with low English proficiency or limited digital literacy. Advance preparation can help reduce anxiety and support understanding.

We encourage general practices, Aboriginal Medical Services and other primary care settings to begin preparing now by:

• Displaying posters and notices in waiting rooms ahead of the test

• Letting patients know the alert is planned and not a real emergency

• Having brief conversations with patients who may be startled by the sound or find the message difficult to understand

• Considering how reception and clinical staff will respond if patients become distressed during the test

Information kits and multilingual resources are expected to be released ahead of the test. If these are not available in time, practices may wish to develop simple, plain‑language explanations tailored to their patient population.

Early communication will help ensure patients are reassured, informed and supported, and that the test achieves its purpose without unintended harm.

More information about AusAlert is available at: nema.gov.au/our-work/risk-reduction/ausalert