Heat Exhaustion
Cause: usually occurs when people are in the sun, not drinking enough water, drinking too much alcohol and are at the beach, or playing sport in the heat.
Symptoms: dehydration, body temperature rises, headache, feel lethargic, dizzy and disoriented.
Treatment: move the affected person into the shade or a cool environment immediately. Remove any restrictive clothing and slowly begin to administer small sips of water. You can also fan the person and wipe a cool wet cloth over their face and body.

Heat Stroke
Cause: as for heat exhaustion, but by this stage the body has lost too much fluid and body temperature is out of control.
Symptoms: as above.
Treatment: follow the same instructions as for heat exhaustion, however, call 000 if the person looks like they are about to or have collapsed.

Handy hint: Children are particularly susceptible to heat exhaustion. Keep them in lightweight cotton clothing, which will facilitate the evaporation of sweat. Children should always wear a hat.
Never leave a child unattended in a car as the temperature rises dramatically in a matter of minutes and can cause death.

Burns
Cause: skylarking around the family barbeque is a common cause of burns, as is handling hot objects and working with chemicals. For example, household bleaches can burn eyes and mower petrol, if ingested, will burn the esophagus. Always refuel mowers outside and when they are turned off and cool.
Treatment: run cold water on the affected area for at least 20 minutes or until the heat is removed from the burn. Use any cold water source available; tap, garden hose. NEVER use burn cream as an initial treatment. This should only be used a doctor’s recommendation .

Handy hint: if a burn occurs from spilt coffee or food when you are traveling in a car, remove clothing that covers the affected area. Always carry plenty of water with you and keep a Red Cross Motoring First Aid Kit in the car. A 4WD-Camping First Aid Kit is recommended for four-wheel drive, camping or caravan holidays.

Poisons and bites

Bluebottles, (stingers)
Habitat: can be found in beach waters along the NSW coast.
Symptoms: a person knows immediately they have been stung by a bluebottle (or stinger): there is intense pain and long welts across the area that has been affected.
Treatment: flush the injury in cool, sea water. Do not use vinegar, fresh water or any brand name relief sprays, at least not initially. Seek other aid immediately, such as a doctor, or look for lifeguards on duty.

Snake bites
Australia has by far the most venomous creatures in the world and has 16 of the top 20 most deadly snakes. The Eastern Brown Snake is of most concern on the eastern seaboard of NSW. It is highly venomous and can be recognized by a distinctive yellow underside.
Habitat: snakes bites commonly occur in backyards and when people are engaging in recreational activities in or near bush land. As the snake’s natural habitat is under threat, they are increasingly being driven out of the bush into suburbia.
Symptoms: one or two fang marks, plus scratches on the arm, pain at the bite site, impaired vision, headache, nausea, vomiting, facial paralysis and respitory distress.
Treatment: Use the pressure-immobilisation technique. Apply a roller bandage by wrapping it around the bite site firmly and then continue upwards on the affected limb as far as you can. Avoid any unnecessary movement of the victim. Place the limb on a firm flat surface then lie the person down. You can also immobilise the limb (arm for example) to the body so it lessens movement and hence the spread of the venom. Rest and reassure the victim and monitor their breathing. Make sure an ambulance is on the way.

Handy hint: heading off into the bush this Christmas? Always carry a first aid kit. The Red Cross Recreational First Aid Kit is portable, waterproof and can be attached to a trouser belt.

Eight-legged predators

Red back spider
According to records, about 1300 Australians were bitten by the Red Back spider in 2001. The last recorded death was in 1964. Stay calm, however, and don’t panic. The Red Back’s venom is slow acting.
The Red Back inhabits so many outdoors areas, it is hard to identify a safe place, particularly as so many of us get stuck into a range of household chores during the summer holidays.
Habitat: rockeries, cornices in flower beds, leafy mulch areas, dry areas, household rubble and corrugated iron, old barbeque wood: mostly dark dry areas.
Symptoms: the bite is sharp and painful, and will mostly be on the hands or feet. Red swelling will occur near the bite and look like it is producing sweat. The pain will spread, muscle spasms could occur and the injured person will begin to feel nauseous.
Treatment: place an ice pack to the bitten area, rest and seek medical help. The ice pack is not a cure but it will lessen the acute pain. Ice cubes or a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a wet cloth make a perfect ice pack.
Call an ambulance immediately. Do not attempt to drive yourself to hospital.

Handy hint: if you use frozen peas as an ice pack, don’t throw them away after one use, they can be refrozen and used again as an ice pack.

Funnel web
Habitat: the funnel web is predominantly a ground dweller but there is also a tree dwelling variety. They can live underwater for some time, however, and have been found at the bottom of backyard pools. They have strong fangs and can bite their victim multiple times. Their fangs gave been known to pierce fingernails and even aluminium cans.
Symptoms: a painful bite, which will produce heavy sweating, increased saliva production and lung mucus. Bite victims will also find it difficult to breath. Depending on the age, size and health of the person, these symptoms will vary in appearance.
Treatment: use the pressure-immobilisation technique, following the rest of the procedure as for snakebites, listed above.

Handy hint: DO NOT wash the spider bite in water or do anything else to the wound other than the prescribed first aid advice above.

Strains and sprains

Definitions: A sprain involves ligament damage. For example, when a person twists their ankle. A strain involves muscle damage. For example, a pain that occurs in the lower back from incorrect lifting.
Both of these are common in summer during sporting activities, and when skylarking at home.
Symptoms: Swelling, pain and discomfort, limited movement and discolouration to the affected area.
Treatment: Use the RICE technique.
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Rest the victim and place an ice pack on the injured site. If possible apply a crepe bandage for compression. Raise the injury above heart level. For example, if the leg is affected, lay down with the leg raised.

Note:
The tips provided above are not a substitute for first aid training from a qualified instructor. Australian Red Cross offers a range of first aid courses, more than 15 first aid kits to cater for almost any first aid emergency as well as Oxygen Equipment and Defibrillators for more advanced care. Phone 1300 367 428 for further information