Emergency Information
How to get help in Bashville.
The Big Red Bash is held in a remote desert location. While we have extensive emergency services on site, it’s important to understand how to get help if you need it.
Please take a few minutes to read the information below.
In an emergency in Bashville
There is no mobile phone reception at the Big Red Bash site.
If you need urgent assistance from Medical, Fire, Police or Security:
- Call “Control Room” on CB Channel 5
- Know your exact location
- CB5 is monitored 24/7 while patrons are on site
CB Channel 5 is for emergency use only. Please keep it clear and use another channel for general communication.
How emergency support works at the Big Red Bash
This short video explains how to call for help, where our emergency services are located, and what to expect if you need assistance during the event.
How to get help in Bashville
Use CB Channel 5
Use your car or handheld CB radio and call:
“Control Room”
This channel is monitored at all times during the event.
Know your location
When calling for help, you must be able to describe your location clearly.
You can determine your location by:
- Using the Interactive Festival Map in the Bash App to find your grid location
- Referring to nearby street signs
- Quoting the number on your nearest toilet block
Give your grid location to the Control Room operator who answers. The clearer you are, the faster help can reach you.
Follow instructions
Follow the directions given by Control Room. They will coordinate medical, fire, police or security response as required.
Our on-site emergency services
As the Big Red Bash has grown into a temporary community the size of a country town, our emergency services capability has grown with it.
We are proud to have a large, experienced team on site throughout the event to help keep everyone safe.
Queensland Ambulance Service
Medical response at the Big Red Bash is provided by the Queensland Ambulance Service.
A team of doctors and paramedics operate from a sealed, air-conditioned Medical Tent located in the centre of Bashville.
They have access to:
- Ambulances
- A fully equipped Operational Support Unit
- Advanced communications systems to coordinate a major response if required
As part of Queensland Health, the team works closely with:
- The Royal Flying Doctor Service
- The Birdsville Primary Health Centre
This ensures serious medical matters can be managed to a high standard in a remote location.
If you require medical assistance, attend the Medical Tent or call Control Room on CB Channel 5.
Security and Queensland Police
Our experienced security team is supported by Queensland Police, who attend from Birdsville and surrounding regions.
The Bash has a strong record of respectful patron behaviour. Most police involvement relates to:
- Lost children
- The occasional lost adult
- Supporting safe driving to and from the event
During July, the roads leading to the Bash are heavily patrolled. Please drive responsibly and allow extra travel time.
Qualified firefighters on stand-by
We have a stand-by team of qualified firefighters (current and former professionals and volunteers from QLD and NSW).
Before the event begins, the team trains together to ensure coordinated response capability.
The fire team is ready to respond immediately if required.
They operate from a dedicated fire truck located near the Control Room tent. This truck includes:
- 3,000 litres of water
- A dedicated fire pump
- Professional firefighting equipment
We also maintain:
- A nearby dam as a backup water supply
- Additional tanker trucks positioned within the campground
Vet in a Van
We are pleased to have Vet in a Van providing on-site veterinary services at the Bash.
More details about what they can offer will be added to this page soon.
If in doubt, call Control Room on CB Channel 5.
The Big Red Bash is a remote event. Being prepared, understanding how to call for help, and knowing how our services operate helps keep you, your family and the entire Bash community safe.