F.A.S.T. Director Sarah Shaw is surprised by how many parents lack the basic skills to react quickly in an emergency. Unfortunately, statistics tell us 50% of parents could not apply the right first aid in frequent childhood emergency situations. This is REALLY concerning … but the good news is that First Aid and CPR training is available, affordable, and easy for parents to access.
One of the big challenges is parents can be misled by media or have out-of-date knowledge. Let’s face it, many of us were taught the “basics” of First Aid and CPR in a boring school lesson 15 years ago. The closest we’ve come to it since is probably watching old episodes of Grey’s Anatomy on TV!!
Sarah believes learning First Aid helps you set up your child’s environment to avoid accidents. If one happens, you won’t be standing helplessly on the sidelines waiting for an “expert” to take over. You will be taking charge, keeping calm and staying in control while you respond to your child’s needs.
Summer in Queensland is all about fun in the sun, family get-togethers, and outdoor adventures. But let’s face it—kids don’t come with a handbook, and when family is involved, anything can happen! From poolside antics to camping chaos, here are the top 15 summer safety hazards and first aid tips to keep your holidays stress-free and accident-free.
1. Pool Safety – Slip, Splash!
Ah, the backyard pool—a kid’s paradise and a parent’s nightmare. Kids move faster than lightning, and before you know it, someone’s running where they shouldn’t!
Keep an eye on the little ones and enforce the no-running rule around the pool, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, ensure that whoever is on supervisor duty is doing exactly that, supervising and not scolling on their phone!
First Aid Tip: If someone slips and bumps their head, assess for dizziness, nausea, or confusion—these could be signs of a concussion. Always keep a first aid kit handy!
2. Sunburn – Just 5 more minutes!
48% of kids have been sun burned in the last 12 months, surprised by this stat? I am. With all of our knowledge about sun damage I think that statistic is very high. Queensland’s sun is fierce, and it doesn’t take long to burn, use a good quality lotion that you apply, the spray types are handy but coverage can be slap dash. Did you know that sand reflects 15% radiation and seafoam 25%, try to use water resistant sun protection.
First Aid Tip: For mild sunburns, apply aloe vera gel and keep the area cool with damp cloths. If blisters form or there’s fever, seek medical advice.
3. Beat the Heat – Hydration is Key!
Summer fun can quickly turn into a dehydration disaster, especially when kids are too busy playing to drink enough water. For adults, every alcoholic drink a person has they should also have a full glass of water. This will help to limit the amount of alcohol they consume. If you are having a party, as host, make sure your guests have plenty of access to water and ice top-ups during the festive celebrations, plus plenty of food and non-alcoholic options. Make sure you check on your elderly neighbours as well.
First Aid Tip: Watch out for signs of dehydration—dry mouth, dizziness, or less frequent urination. Encourage regular water breaks and add fun flavors to water if needed!
4. BBQ Burns – The Sizzle Is Real
Nothing says summer like a BBQ, but hot grills and curious little hands don’t mix. Don't forget to do a safety check on your bbq and gas bottle before each use. It’s simple and only takes a couple minutes but could save you a lifetime of pain and discomfort
First Aid Tip: For minor burns, run the area under cool water for 20 minutes. Avoid ice or greasy ointments.
5. Jellyfish Stings – The Ocean’s Little Surprise
Swimming in Queensland’s beautiful waters is a must, but keep an eye out for jellyfish!
First Aid Tip: If someone gets stung, rinse the area with vinegar (not fresh water), and remove any tentacles (the vinegar dissolves the barbs). Seek medical attention if there’s severe pain or an allergic reaction.
6. Camping Injuries – Roughing It, Literally!
Whether it’s falling over a tent peg or slipping on wet rocks, camping trips can lead to a variety of bumps and bruises. According to the National Institute of Health, falls and drowning are the 2 most common causes of death in the great outdoors.
First Aid Tip: Clean any cuts with clean water and apply a bandage. Pack a first aid kit with antiseptic, bandages, and tweezers for any splinters or ticks!
7. Snake Bites – Slithery Surprises
The great outdoors often means unexpected encounters with nature and wildlife. Snakes love warm and cosey spots so shake out your sleeping bag first!
First Aid Tip: If someone is bitten, keep them calm and still. Apply a pressure bandage over the bite area and immobilize the limb. Call emergency services immediately.
8. Heat exhaustion – Too Hot to Handle!
Hot days and physical activity can lead to heatstroke, especially in young kids. You are at higher risk if you are:
over 75 years old, or very young, pregnant or breastfeeding, overweight, not physically fit, wearing excess clothing, affected by a chronic health condition or an infection, taking medicines that cause dryness or make you sweat less.
First Aid Tip: Move the person to a cool area, apply cold compresses, and give them small sips of water. If they become confused or stop sweating it is potential heat stroke it’s time to call for emergency help.
9. Cuts and Scrapes – The ‘Ouch’ Factor
From riding bikes to climbing trees, scrapes and cuts are par for the course with kids home on school holidays.
First Aid Tip: Clean the wound with water, apply antiseptic, and cover with a bandage. Keep an eye out for signs of infection, like redness or swelling. Make sure you restock your first aid kit!
10. Choking – The Unexpected Meal Mishap
With family meals and BBQs, kids can sometimes bite off more than they can chew—literally and choking is silent! Did you know that grapes are the biggest culprit to cause choking?
First Aid Tip: If someone starts choking, encourage them to cough. If they can’t, use back blows followed by chest thrusts to dislodge the blockage, be ready to call 000
11. Bee Stings – Buzz Off!
Summertime means lots of flowers, and flowers attract bees! The usually don't sting unless provoked or their colony feels threated.
First Aid Tip: If someone gets stung, remove the stinger by scraping it with a credit card, not tweezers. Apply ice to reduce swelling and monitor for allergic reactions.
12. Drowning – Every Parent’s Worst Fear
Whether in the pool, ocean, or even a bathtub, water safety is key. Drowning is silent, if you are on duty make sure you keep your eyes on the pool and off your phone! More distraction, inhibitions lowered = more risk, sadly resulting in more drownings. More than 40% of the 770 people who drowned in Australia’s inland waterways in the past 10 years had been drinking (reported in the Sydney Morning Herald – 2016).
First Aid Tip: If someone is unresponsive after being in the water, perform CPR immediately and call for help. Enroll in a first aid course to learn this life-saving skill.
13. Sprained Ankles – Adventure Gone Awry
Hiking, running, or even stepping off a curb wrong can result in a twisted ankle. 85% of all ankle sprains are inversion sprains (rolling in), making it one of the most frequent injuries during sports and outdoor activities.
First Aid Tip: Use the RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. If it’s swollen and painful, a trip to the doctor might be needed.
14. Allergic Reactions – Surprise!
You never know when an allergic reaction might strike, from food to insect bites. 90% of allergic reactions are caused by milk, nuts, egg, fish and pollen. You can grow out of an allergy but you can also 'grow into it'. Your body can reach a point that it can no longer process foods etc that you have never had an issue with in the past.
First Aid Tip: If someone shows signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling), use an EpiPen if available and call 000.
15. Fire Hazards – Stay Cool, Fire’s Not!
From bonfires to BBQs, fire safety is crucial. The most common burns are scalds from hot drinks such as cups of tea or coffee, hot water or steam from kettles or pots, or hot water taps in the kitchen or bathroom, contact with flames and hot objects such as stoves, irons, hair straighteners or hot coals.
First Aid Tip: For minor burns, cool the area under running water. For larger burns, keep the person warm (not the burn) and call for medical help.
Our goal wasn't to cause panic and stress before you set off on your summer holiday, we just want you to be informed and prepared.
Sarah's top tips:
Have a first aid kit packed with items relevant to the conditions
If you are camping know your latitude and longitude, it can save valuable time and assist emergency services in being able to find you. Download the Emergency Plus app
Have an age appropriate conversation with your kids about safety, teach them how to call 000 or 112 from a mobile phone and what information they will likely need to be able to provide.
Do a CPR and First Aid course, a few hours of your time could literally save a loved ones life. Call the office and we will set you up with the course near you and a discount.
Sarah's 2 rules.....'Stay safe and have fun'!