Recently Published First Aid Articles

Illustration showing character feeling faint from hypotension or low blood pressure
Low Blood Pressure

December 3, 2021

General Health-Related

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can indicate an underlying problem, particularly in elderly people. It can cause dizziness, weakness, and blurred vision. Severe cases lead to loss of consciousness and can be life-threatening.

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Ambulance with doors wide open
When symptoms suggest heart attack, waste no time calling 000

September 21, 2021

Disease

Heart attack is a medical emergency. First aid treatment for a heart attack is important to prevent cardiac arrest – where the heart stops beating. Time is of the essence. Waste no time and call 000 for an ambulance.

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Paralysis Tick bite causing an allergic reaction
Best Way to Remove Paralysis Ticks

September 19, 2014

Bites and Stings

A paralysis tick can cause a serious allergic reaction. These reactions can range from mild itching with localised swelling and pain to life-threatening anaphylaxis. This article covers paralysis tick prevention and cure, including the best way to remove a tick.

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Man clutching his chest illustrating sudden cardiac arrest
Sudden Cardiac Arrest – What To Do

October 8, 2021

Disease

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. The chances of survival diminish rapidly and will result in death within 10 minutes. Even if you are not trained in CPR first aid, any attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt.

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Great White Shark and woman posed in deep water
Australia’s oceans are home to the 3 most deadly sharks

October 30, 2021

Danger

Shark diversity in Australia is one of the richest in the world. Australian waters are home to the 3 most deadly sharks responsible for almost all recorded shark attacks in Australia, namely the Great Whites, Tiger Sharks, and Bull Sharks.

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Banner Graphic for Heat Stroke First Aid
Heat Stroke First Aid

October 24, 2021

How-To

Heat stroke is usually a result of working or exercising in a hot environment. Core body temperature can rise to dangerously high levels within 10–15 minutes. Left untreated, heat stroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.

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Illustration of Stroke showing brain inflammation
First aid treatment for stroke

October 5, 2021

First Aid Training

A stroke is a medical emergency that can have severe repercussions. If you suspect stroke, time is of the essence. Do not delay calling 000 for help.

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Member of the armed forces in need of first aid for Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke
How do heat exhaustion and heat stroke differ?

October 28, 2021

Seasonal Concerns

Despite their similar signs and symptoms, it’s important to understand the differences between heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, the most serious of heat-induced illnesses.

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A redback spider, Latrodectus hasseltii, of the family Theridiidae. ©CSIRO
Top 10 most dangerous spiders in Australia

November 19, 2021

Bites and Stings

Australia is home to some of the world's most venomous spiders. Spider bites can cause serious illness and even death due to the toxicity of the venom and by triggering anaphylaxis. Should your condition begin to deteriorate, contact a medical facility immediately.

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Cutaway diagram showing chest under CPR compressions
What is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?

November 1, 2021

CPR Resources

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation – CPR, for short – is a game-changer when a person's heart has stopped beating. Despite its effectiveness, the technique itself is relatively simple.

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European wasp
Staying Safe from European Wasps

April 10, 2019

Bites and Stings

Around 33% of Australian hospital admissions are for bee or wasp stings. These stings account for more than twice the number of hospital admissions for snake bites, and cause almost the same number of deaths.

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Red Imported Fire Ant
Fire ants: What to do when stung?

October 2, 2013

Bites and Stings

Found throughout south east Queensland, Fire ants are renowned for their aggressive nature and painful sting. They are particularly dangerous to those with allergies, as they tend to swarm and sting all at once.

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