Plan your first aid kit, not just your holiday this long weekend

As thousands prepare for caravan and camping trips this Australia Day long weekend, St John Ambulance WA is urging all those hitting the road to ensure first aid kits are stocked appropriately.

Traditionally among the most popular holidaying weekends of the year, the Australia Day long weekend is also one of the busiest for paramedics and ambulance crews as people venture to regional and often remote locations across the state.

St John Metro Ambulance General Manager Phil Martin said as many campers would be in unfamiliar surroundings, there was an even greater need to ensure first aid kits contained appropriate supplies.

“First aid kits should always include staples such as paracetamol, band aids, bandages, sunscreen and antiseptic cream,” Mr Martin said.

“But it’s also really important to think about your destination, the kind of activities you’ll be doing and adapt your first aid kit accordingly.

“For example, if you’re camping, take thermal blankets, cold packs and sterile dressings. If you’re planning a hike or any other outdoor activities, add electrolytes.

“Above all, we encourage people to drive safely and exercise common sense especially in areas they’re unfamiliar with. Ensure you know where you are at all times so that if something does go wrong, ambulance or other emergency service crews can locate you easily.”

Meanwhile, St John will continue to play a major role at the annual Perth Skyworks event with more than 110 personnel located at key vantage points along the Swan River and in Kings Park. Included in this contingent will be two water ambulances – a collaboration between St John and the Department of Transport (DoT). The DoT PV1 and PV2 boats will patrol the Swan River, tending to any medical emergencies that occur on the water.

Mr Martin said St John was tremendously proud of its ongoing association with this signature event and looked forward to seeing a huge crowd by the river on Australia Day.

“In recent years crowds have been pretty responsive to safety messages around overindulging in alcohol or spending too long in the sun. Consequently, we’ve been able to avoid some of the issues that were seen at Skyworks events in the past,” he said.

“We’d like that to continue this year and encourage people to drink alcohol in moderation, stay out of the sun during the heat of the day, hydrate, use sunblock and make sure that they stay safe if out on the water.”

For first aid advice and information visit www.stjohnambulance.com.au