First aid is a critical skill that can, in worst cases, make a life-or-death difference in an emergency or in non life-or-death situations greatly reduce the severity/impact of an injury or illness.

However, simply knowing some basic techniques is not enough. Even having some topic knowledge is most likely not going to end so well if we don’t have a process.

Effective first aid requires a structured approach, guided by clear guidelines and procedures.

The Importance of a structured process in First Aid Training:

Consistency and Standardisation:

Reduces Confusion: Having a clear process ensure all participants learn the same core process, principles and techniques. This minimises confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Improves Quality: Standardised procedures help maintain a consistent level of quality across different situations regardless of how complex.

Consistency Across Multiple Properties: For organisations with multiple properties, consistent first aid procedures are crucial. This ensures a unified response to emergencies across all locations, regardless of the staff on site.

Safety and Effectiveness:

Minimises Risk of Harm: Well-defined procedures help minimise the risk of harm to both the patient and the first aider.

Maximises-Effectiveness: A clear process ensures that first aiders take the most effective actions in a timely manner. This can significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome for the injured or ill person.

Ethical Practice: Process and guidelines help ensure that first aid is provided in an ethical and responsible manner, respecting the dignity and autonomy of the injured person.

Confidence and Skills:

Reduces Anxiety: By following clear procedures, participants gain confidence in their ability to respond effectively in an emergency. This reduces anxiety and helps them act decisively when needed.

Develops Critical Thinking: While a process provides a framework, it also encourages critical thinking and the ability to adapt to different situations.

Overcoming the Confusion of Multiple First Aid Topics

The sheer volume of first aid topics can be overwhelming. From choking to burns, fractures to anaphylaxis, it’s easy to feel lost and unsure of what to do in a real-life emergency. This is where a systematic approach becomes invaluable.

Following a structured process:

Having systematic approach provides a framework that helps first aiders break down the overwhelming complexity of an emergency situation. It provides a sense of certainty and reduces the risk of panic or indecision.

Consistency Across Multiple Properties

For organisations with multiple properties, maintaining consistent first aid procedures across all locations is paramount. This ensures:

Unified Response: All staff members, regardless of their location, are trained to respond to emergencies in the same manner.

Efficient Communication: Clear and consistent communication protocols facilitate seamless communication between staff members and emergency services across all properties.

Improved Resource Allocation: Consistent procedures allow for more efficient allocation of resources, such as first aid kits and trained personnel.

Enhanced Safety for All: A consistent approach to first aid enhances the safety and well-being of all individuals within the organisation.

Conclusion

Having a process is not just a set of rules; it is the foundation for effective first aid response. By emphasising clear a clear pathway to evaluate and proceed, a systematic approach to deployment, and continuous patient evaluation, we can empower individuals to confidently and effectively assist others in need.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for any specific medical concerns.–

By Scott Brown

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

Our goal is that all Rural Australians will have the confidence and skills to act in an emergency. We do that by partnering with those that live and work in Rural and Remote Areas so that if an emergency occurs they will get the best possible outcome for their family member, workmates and organisation.

Author bio: For over 24 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 24 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape. Known for conveying. detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Agricultural Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. For regular updates from us sign up to our list.

The post First Aid: Developing Confidence Through Process first appeared on Rural & Remote First Aid.

Happy AgDay! – 15 November

All Australians enjoy the world class food and fibre grown right here in Australia. But some Australians know very little about the farmers and workers who put food on their tables.

National Agriculture Day is your chance to celebrate and learn about Australia’s incredible farm sector. Held on the third Friday of November each year, it’s one day to celebrate an industry that’s part of our lives every single day.

For more information, click on National AgDay 2024

By Scott Brown

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

Our goal is that all Rural Australians will have the confidence and skills to act in an emergency. We do that by partnering with those that live and work in Rural and Remote Areas so that if an emergency occurs they will get the best possible outcome for their family member, workmates and organisation.

For over 23 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 23 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Agricultural Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. 
For regular updates from us sign up to our list.

First Name

Email address

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

The post Grow you good thing! first appeared on Rural & Remote First Aid.

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries in Australia, with a fatal injury rate six times higher than the national average. Fatigue is a major contributor to this high rate of injury and death.

Coming in to the end of the year, some operations are winding down but many a ramping up to finish before deadlines!

Fatigue is a state of physical and mental exhaustion that can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination. It can be caused by a number of factors, including sleep deprivation, long working hours, and shift work.

Agricultural workers are particularly at risk of fatigue due to the demanding nature of their work. They often work long hours, in all weather conditions, and may have to travel long distances to work. They may also have to work irregular hours, depending on the needs of the farm and the seasons.

I think no other safety issue is as open to ‘do as we say, not as we demand!’ We often refer to fatigue management strategies and the need to be aware of the risks, but that is of little meaning when the crew get back from a long muster and then they are instructed to load 12 decks of cattle late on a Friday afternoon. It will work as an irregular occurrence, but when it is the norm………?

Fatigue can have a number of negative impacts on agricultural workers, including:

* **Increased risk of injury and death:** Fatigue can impair judgement, reaction time, and coordination, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Fatigue is also a major risk factor for road accidents.
* **Reduced productivity:** Fatigue can make it difficult to concentrate and perform tasks efficiently. This can lead to reduced productivity and increased costs for farmers.
* **Health problems:** Fatigue can lead to a number of health problems, including sleep disorders, headaches, depression, and anxiety.

The impacts of fatigue in agriculture are not just limited to the individual worker. They can also have a significant impact on the farm business as a whole. Fatigue-related accidents can lead to damage to property and equipment, and lost time. Fatigue can also reduce worker productivity, which can lead to financial losses for the farm.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of fatigue in agriculture. These include:

* **Getting enough sleep:** Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Agricultural workers should make sure they are getting enough sleep, even when they are busy.
* **Taking breaks:** Agricultural workers should take regular breaks throughout the day, especially when working long hours. Breaks should be used to rest, rehydrate, and eat healthy snacks.
* **Avoiding shift work:** Shift work can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to fatigue. If possible, agricultural workers should avoid shift work.
* **Managing workload:** Agricultural workers should manage their workload carefully and avoid overworking themselves. If they are feeling tired, they should take a break or ask for help.

Farmers and agricultural workers can also take steps to reduce the risk of fatigue by:

* **Creating a fatigue management plan:** A fatigue management plan should outline strategies for reducing fatigue, such as work-rest schedules and break times.
* **Providing training on fatigue:** Agricultural workers should be trained on the risks of fatigue and how to manage it.
* **Promoting a culture of safety:** Farmers and agricultural workers should create a culture of safety where workers feel comfortable reporting fatigue and asking for help.

By taking steps to reduce fatigue in agriculture, we can help to improve the safety and productivity of the industry. 

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

For regular updates from us sign up to our list.

By Scott Brown

Author bio:

For over 22 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 22 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Pastoral Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. 

The post Impacts of fatigue in Agriculture in Australia first appeared on Rural & Remote First Aid.

Prevention: Staying Ahead of Heat Illness

Prevention is the cornerstone of heat illness management. By implementing proactive measures, the risk of heat illness can be significantly reduced. Here are some key prevention strategies:

• Hydration: Encourage frequent water intake, even before feeling thirsty. Provide ample access to cool drinking water and electrolyte-rich beverages.
• Consider a water consumption target: Particularly with newer staff members it maybe good to ask them to consume an identified amount of water by lunchtime and a bit more by 3pm.
• Schedule Adjustments: Plan outdoor work for cooler hours of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings. Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest periods. This can be very difficult in Agriculture but where possible try to make it a priority.
• Protective Clothing: Provide lightweight, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats to protect from direct sunlight. Encourage loose-fitting clothing to allow for air circulation.
• Shade and Rest Breaks: Ensure adequate shade is available for rest breaks. Encourage frequent breaks in cool environments to allow the body to recover.
• Acclimatisation: Gradually increase the workload and exposure to heat for new or returning workers to allow their bodies to adapt.

Treatment: Responding to Heat Illness Symptoms

Despite prevention efforts, heat illness can still occur. Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial to minimise the impact. Here’s how to respond to heat illness symptoms:

• Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Move the person to a cool, shaded area, provide cool fluids gradually, and loosen clothing. Consider fanning and pouring water on the patient. Immersing the persons body into a larger amount of water such as a trough would also be beneficial provided you keep a close eye on them in case they slip their head under water. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.
• Heatstroke: Symptoms include high body temperature (over 40.5°C), confusion, slurred speech, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call for emergency medical services immediately and initiate cooling measures while waiting.

Creating a Heat Illness Prevention Plan

Developing a comprehensive heat illness prevention plan is essential for any agricultural workplace. This plan should outline specific measures to prevent, recognize, and treat heat illness, tailored to the unique working conditions of the farm or agricultural operation. The plan should be communicated to all workers, and regular training should be provided to ensure everyone is aware of the risks and prevention strategies.

By prioritising prevention and implementing effective treatment measures, the Australian agricultural sector can safeguard its workforce against the dangers of heat illness, ensuring a safer and healthier working environment for all.

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

For regular updates from us sign up to our list.

By Scott Brown

Author bio:

For over 22 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 22 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Pastoral Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. 

The post Beating the Heat: Preventing and Treating Heat Illness in Australian Agriculture first appeared on Rural & Remote First Aid.

Introduction:
A chipped tooth can be a painful and unsettling experience, but knowing how to handle it promptly and effectively can make all the difference. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to treat a chipped tooth, from initial care to seeking professional dental help.

1. **Assess the Severity**:
   The first step is to assess the severity of the chipped tooth. Is it a minor chip or a significant break? If the chip is small and doesn’t cause pain, it may not require immediate attention. However, if the chip is large, accompanied by pain, or affects a front tooth, it’s best to take action promptly. If you have the broken piece keep it moist.

2. **Rinse Your Mouth**:
   Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and remove any debris. Avoid using hot or cold water as extreme temperatures can cause sensitivity.

3. **Control Bleeding (if applicable)**:
   If your chipped tooth is bleeding, apply a clean piece of gauze to the area and apply gentle pressure. This should help control any bleeding. If bleeding persists or is excessive, seek medical attention.

4. **Manage Pain and Swelling**:
   Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage any discomfort or swelling you might experience. Follow the instructions on the label and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. The Australian Dental Association recommend “Try to collect any tooth fragments and transport them in milk to your dentist. If possible, your dentist may re-attach them“

5. **Cover Sharp Edges**:
   If the chipped tooth has sharp edges, you can use orthodontic wax or sugarless gum to cover them temporarily. This will prevent the edges from causing irritation or injury to your mouth.

6. **Avoid Certain Foods**:
   Opt for soft, non-sticky foods and avoid chewing on the side of the chipped tooth to prevent further damage.

7. **Book an Appointment with a Dentist**:
In rural and remote areas of Australia, accessing immediate dental care may present unique challenges. And while rural and remote Australia challenges exist in accessing dental care, it’s essential to be proactive in seeking assistance for a chipped tooth. Utilise available resources, plan accordingly, and prioritise your oral health. Whether through local clinics, telehealth consultations, or outreach programs, your well-being remains a priority, and taking timely action can help ensure the best possible outcome for your chipped tooth situation.

Due to the challenges of distance, some dental clinics offer telehealth consultations. You can schedule a virtual appointment to discuss your situation with a dentist, receive guidance, and determine the next steps.

8. **Emergency Dental Care**:
   If you’re experiencing severe pain, extensive bleeding, or a significantly chipped tooth, consider seeking emergency dental care. Many dental clinics in Australia offer emergency services to address urgent dental issues.

9. **Treatment Options**:
   Depending on the severity of the chipped tooth, your dentist may recommend various treatment options, such as dental bonding, veneers, crowns, or even a root canal in extreme cases. They will tailor the treatment to your specific situation and ensure the best possible outcome.

10. **Prevention**:
    While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of chipping a tooth. Avoid chewing on hard objects, wear a mouthguard during physical activities, and maintain good oral hygiene to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Conclusion:
Treating a chipped tooth in the Australian context involves a combination of immediate care, professional dental assistance, and preventive measures. By following these steps and seeking timely treatment, you can ensure the well-being of your teeth and maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Remember, your oral health is an essential part of your overall well-being, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a dentist if you’re facing a chipped tooth situation. 

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

For regular updates from us sign up to our list.

By Scott Brown

Author bio:

For over 22 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 22 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Pastoral Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. 

The post How to Treat a Chipped Tooth: A Comprehensive Guide first appeared on Rural & Remote First Aid.

G’day. I hope this message finds you free from injury or illness. However, things go wrong from time to time.

Recently I heard of a case where someone on a station suffered a pretty nasty impalement. Impalements are also referred to as embedded objects.

If you’ve got yourself an embedded object wound, it’s important to give it the proper treatment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle it:

1. Stay calm and assess the situation: Take a deep breath and try to keep a cool head. Take a good look at the wound and try to determine the extent of the injury.
2. Clean your hands: Before touching the wound, make sure your hands are squeaky clean. Give ’em a good scrub with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitisor if you’re on the go.
3. Control bleeding: If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth around the object (indirect pressure) or your hand to stop the flow. Elevate the affected area, if possible, to help reduce bleeding.
4. Don’t pull out the embedded object: Now, this is important! Unless the object is causing immediate danger, such as blocking an airway or pressing on a major blood vessel, you should leave it be. Removing it yourself might make things worse and cause more damage. Let the professionals handle it.
5. Cover the wound: Grab a clean cloth or a sterile dressing and gently cover the wound to protect it from further contamination. Avoid using adhesive tapes directly on the wound, as they can stick to it and cause more pain when removed.
6. Seek medical help: It’s time to get yourself over to a healthcare professional. Call an ambulance or RFDS if the wound is severe, heavily bleeding, or if you’re unsure about what to do. They’ll assess the situation, provide the necessary treatment, and remove the embedded object safely if needed.

Remember, I’m not a doctor, and these steps are just general advice. Every situation is unique, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance.

Take care of yourself.

*Image: https://makezine.com/article

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

For regular updates from us sign up to our list.

By Scott Brown

Author bio:

For over 22 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 22 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Pastoral Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. 

The post Oh no! You’re impaled! first appeared on Rural & Remote First Aid.

Whenever you need a tourniquet it is a very bad day. The maths of fluid volume loss vs time don’t work in our favour as First Aiders.

So, Quick tip for today is …… unwrap your tourniquet(s) as soon as you get it/them and make sure to store them in the most accessible part of your kit (or wherever is most appropriate for your situation).

More than anything, I hope you never have to use them!

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

For regular updates from us sign up to our list.

By Scott Brown

Author bio:

For over 22 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 22 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Pastoral Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. 

The post Quick tip for Tourniquets first appeared on Rural & Remote First Aid.

Over the last few months I have had a few questions about Head Injury management and the role of pain medication in Head Injuries. So, if one person asks the question then the general rule is many more have a question but haven’t asked! So here goes….

Firstly, remember, What is the best clue to you as a First Aider that someone may have a Head Injury?

History! The history of the event. What happened?

Common causes of Head injuries include:

• car accidents
• sports injuries
• accidents at home, such as slips, falls or trips
• accidents at work, such as falls or being hit on the head
• assaults
• falls from horses, motorbies and ATV’s
• Buggy flips or rollovers
• and more

The key to management of the Head Injury is observation. The risk in Head Injury is that they can have a pattern of deterioration over time that we can’t see and we can’t do anything about. Position the patient with the head and shoulders raised. Get a GCS score early. Remember the GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale). If not, go to your text book now and look it up again to refresh your memory! And do it over and over until you are happy that there is no deterioration. Even then, continue to monitor for up to 24 hours (48 hours for children or elderly)

Can I give Paracetomol?

Yes, but no other pain killer. Use only as directed and remember to ask the ‘safety’ questions you would ask prior to giving any medication.No Ibuprofen or Aspirin. They can make any bleeding worse.

When should I call for Medical Aid?

Seek Medical assistance immediately if:

• vomits more then once
• has trouble seeing, hearing or speaking properly
• has a headache which is getting worse or won’t go away with paracetamol
• has difficulty seeing or hearing
• is confused or acting strangely
• has difficulty staying awake
• has pupils which are a different size to each other
• loses balance or feels dizzy
• loses memory
• has bleeding or discharge from the ear or nose
• has a seizure or starts twitching or convulsing
• develops blurred or double vision, or becomes clumsy
• has difficulty swallowing or eating

You should also see your doctor if:

• you develop any other new symptoms
• you become increasingly concerned

After a head injury, the most important treatment is complete physical and mental rest. That means not using computer screens, playing video games or working or studying for at least 24 to 48 hours. You should not play sport and you may need to take time off work until you are feeling better.

Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after a head injury. Drinking alcohol, taking sleeping pills or using drugs will make you feel much worse.

*Reference for this blog post is from Health Direct.

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

For regular updates from us sign up to our list.

By Scott Brown

Author bio:

For over 22 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 22 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Pastoral Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. 

The post How do I manage Head Injuries? first appeared on Rural & Remote First Aid.

Whenever we apply our First Aid it means something hasn’t gone to plan that day!! And Murphy’s Law suggests that the time and place will be of the least convenience.

Let’s consider the patient who is bleeding and for whatever reason, needs to stay where they are out in the paddock for a period of time. Maybe they have a suspected spinal injury also or maybe we are just trying support, immobilise and stabilise the patient and the injury. Even Snake Bites fit into this category.

Inconvenient fact. Most ants love blood. Many of them bite. And when ants bite, the patient will move and wriggle. So if you have a bleeding patient that needs to stay immobilised for a short or long period we need a strategy to stop the ants biting.

Top Tip! Put Ant Rid in your First Aid kits. Cheap, long shelf life, no storage requirements. It might just be the ticket to keeping your patient still.

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

For regular updates from us sign up to our list.

By Scott Brown

Author bio:

For over 22 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 22 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Pastoral Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. 

The post Quick tip for patient comfort! first appeared on Rural & Remote First Aid.

I have a confession to make. Whenever I see First Aid Kits in Workwear stores or outdoor stores, I usually roll my eyes and grind my teeth. It’s not that I don’t believe in them, actually quite the opposite. Most kits I see are borderline useless for anything other than the bare minimum minor injury.

And I get why they are sold; easy, quick and meet a minimum standard. Sort of ‘Get out of Gaol free’ card. But in my experience in attending farming accidents on the ambulance, we need to be a bit better prepared than the minimum standard.

The major injury and fatality stats around farming in Australia aren’t pretty. In fact, they are alarming. And not representative. There are other industries that are comparable in location, machinery usage, working hours etc. that don’t have anywhere near the injuries/fatalities that Agriculture does in Australia. So, to use the old “it’s just part of the job” when someone gets injured doesn’t really stack up. But it does happen, so we need to be prepared with good training to respond and good gear to use to help our injured family member or coworker.

A small First Aid kit will have all the bits n pieces needed for small injuries. But we need to consider that there are major injury potentials that the small kits just can’t handle.

And I can tell you from experience, there is little more that is as challenging and affect you for as long a time as feeling helpless in an incident because you don’t have the tools you need to help someone.

Whilst the First Aid Code of Practice does not specifically define the size and contents of first aid kits for remote areas, it does suggest that as a minimum all kits contain:

So, let’s look at a couple of things that I would see as non-negotiables in a First Aid kit and some that might be a good back up to the front-line kits.

• Emergency Services’ phone numbers and addresses
• Basic First Aid Notes or book
• Resuscitation Mask
• Individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (band-aids)
• Antiseptic
• Sterile eye pads
• Sterile covering for serious wounds
• Combine dressings x 3
• Wound dressings x 2         
• Triangular bandages x 3
• Small sterile non adherent wound dressings
• Medium sterile non adherent wound dressings
• Large sterile non adherent wound dressing
• Adhesive tape 1.25cm wide
• Compression bandages x 2
• Scissors
• PPE (disposable gloves)
• Thermal blanket
• Burn dressings/sheets
• Additional bandages to manage bites/stings: Consider Snake Bite kit
• Instant ice packs
• Plastic bags
• A roll of cling wrap
• Whistle and torch

You should also consider including tourniquets and haemostatic dressings for life threatening bleeding.

Over the years of working with our customers we have identified the advantages of having a ‘back up kit’ that lives in the office. We refer to it as the ‘Grab n Go kit’. The kit you mobilise when it’s a more major incident. It carries the items you will need in the event of snake bite, pelvic fracture, spinal or head injury, etc. I consider these kits to be like insurance: You hope you never need it, but to be able to call on it if that day comes may save someone. Or at the minimum, reduce the severity of the incident.

GRAB N GO KIT CONTENTS (recommended)

• Triangular Bandages x 5
• Medium Combine Dressing x 3
• Large Combine Dressing x 3
• Extra-large Combine Dressing x 3
• Snake Bite kit x 2
• Formable Splint x 4
• Pelvic Binder
• Scoop Stretcher
• Trauma Shears x 2
• LED Head Torch
• 10ml Saline x 10
• 30ml Saline x 10
• Haemostatic Dressing x 5 (10cm x 10cm)
• Tourniquet x 2
• Cling Wrap
• BP machine
• Pulse Oximeter
• Evacuation sheet
• Head rolls x 2
• Patient Care Record Duplicate book A4
• Small Patient Care Record Note Pads x 2

Those of you who have done our course will have seen first hand the need for the right gear at the right time. To those that haven’t done our course, we look forward to seeing you in the near future!!

If you would like more information about this topic or any others, purchase any First Aid stock or equipment, or to book a Remote Area First Aid course, please contact us on 0491 057 339 or email info@ruralandremotefirstaid.com.au

For regular updates from us sign up to our list.

By Scott Brown

Author bio:

For over 22 years Scott Brown has been training Remote Area First Aid across Australia. Having first joined Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 and working in the high-country in Victoria, he began teaching First Aid for Rural Ambulance Victoria. 22 years on, he works with some of Australia’s largest pastoral corporations and property managers that combined manage over 200,000 square kms of the Australian landscape.

Known for conveying detailed First Aid information in a relatable and relaxed way, Scott’s courses have become popular with Pastoral Property Managers, overseers and ringers alike. The highly practical course content ensures relevance to actual situations that are possible to encounter on a working property.

Scott continues to work with Ambulance Victoria alongside his First Aid training. 

The post Why have a First Aid kit on the farm and what to have in it. first appeared on Rural & Remote First Aid.