Private ambulance services in South Australia

Under the Health Care Act 2008 (the Act), a licence is required to operate a private ambulance service in South Australia. These licences are administered by the Clinical Regulation Branch within the Department for Health and Wellbeing, on behalf of the Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

What is a private ambulance service?

A private ambulance service is a non-emergency patient transport service that may include:

  • Transfers between hospitals
  • Transport to or from healthcare facilities
  • Medical coverage at events

These services are for patients who do not require emergency medical care during transport.

Any organisation or person providing a non-emergency ambulance service in South Australia must hold a Restricted Ambulance Service Licence.

What is an emergency ambulance service?

Emergency ambulance services provide urgent care and transport for patients who require immediate medical attention and must be requested by calling 000.

In South Australia:

  • SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) is the authorised provider of state-wide emergency ambulance services.
  • Under the Health Care Regulations 2023, the following organisations may also provide emergency and non-emergency ambulance services:
    • Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia Central Operations
    • Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia Pty Ltd
    • The Commonwealth Department of Defence or any branch of the Australian Defence Force

A licensed private ambulance operator may provide emergency ambulance services only if authorised by SAAS.

Licensing requirements

To operate a private ambulance service in South Australia, applicants must:

  • Apply for a Restricted Ambulance Service Licence under the Health Care Act 2008
  • Comply with relevant legislation, policies, and governance frameworks
  • Meet operational standards and ongoing obligations

Holding out as a private ambulance service

It is an offence to:

  • Advertise, promote, or operate as a private ambulance service without a valid licence or exemption
  • Represent yourself as engaged in ambulance service provision unless you are authorised staff of a licensed provider acting within your role