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Essential first aid emergencies every outdoor adventurer should be ready to handle

By FastAid

D.I.Y. - Header Image - Essential first aid emergencies every outdoor adventurer should be ready to handle

Whether you're off on a bushwalk, setting up camp in the middle of nowhere, or casting a line by the river, being prepared for first aid emergencies is a must.


The great outdoors can be unpredictable, and knowing how to handle an emergency could make all the difference. Here are three key first aid situations every adventurer should be ready for.

1. Dealing with heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Spending long hours outside, especially in warm weather, can take a toll on your body. Heat exhaustion happens when your body loses too much water and salt due to high temperatures, especially if you're being active. You might feel dizzy, nauseous, or get a pounding headache.

If it’s not treated, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which is serious. This is when your body’s temperature skyrockets to 40°C or more, and you start getting confused, having seizures, or even losing consciousness.

How to treat heat exhaustion:

  • Find some shade and take a break.
  • Loosen tight clothing and cool down with water.
  • Sip plenty of fluids.
  • Get medical help if symptoms don’t improve.

How to treat heat stroke:

  • Follow DRSABCD (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation).
  • Call 000 straight away.
  • Place cold packs on the neck, groin, and armpits.
  • Drape a wet cloth or sheet over them and fan to cool them down.
  • If they’re awake, give them fluids and stay with them until help arrives.

D.I.Y. - Step 1 - Essential first aid emergencies every outdoor adventurer should be ready to handle

2. Sunburn – it’s not just a summer problem

We all love soaking up the sun but getting burnt is never fun. Sunburn isn’t just a summer issue – UV rays can be brutal year-round. If you’re feeling red, sore, or even a bit queasy after a day outdoors, you’ve probably had too much sun.

How to treat sunburn:

  • Get into some shade ASAP.
  • Cool down with a shower, bath, or a wet cloth.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • If blisters appear, or you’re feeling really unwell, seek medical advice.

3. Snake, spider, and insect bites – nature’s little surprises

Heading out into nature means sharing the space with wildlife. Snake, spider, and insect bites can range from unpleasant to life-threatening, so it’s best to be prepared. Assume all snake bites are venomous and act accordingly. Some spider bites (like from funnel-webs) are serious, while others (like redbacks) are painful but rarely deadly.

How to treat snake bites:

  • Treat every snake bite as serious.
  • Follow DRSABCD.
  • Call 000 immediately.
  • Keep the person as still as possible and lay them down.
  • Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage over the bite and along the entire limb.
  • Splint the limb and wait for medical help.

How to treat spider bites:

  • Funnel-web/Mouse Spiders:
    • Call 000 immediately.
    • Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage.
    • Keep them still and immobilise the affected limb.
    • Wait for emergency services.

  • Redback Spiders:
    • Apply a pressure bandage and a cold compress.
    • Keep the limb elevated.
    • Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.

  • Other spiders:
    • Wash the bite with soap and water.
    • Apply a cold compress if it’s swollen or painful.

How to treat insect bites:

  • Follow DRSABCD.
  • Use a cold compress to reduce swelling or pain.
  • Get medical attention if symptoms get worse.

D.I.Y. - Step 2 - Essential first aid emergencies every outdoor adventurer should be ready to handle

Stay safe and be prepared

Having a solid first aid kit is a must for any outdoor adventure. Make sure yours has the essentials like bandages, cold packs, and pressure bandages so you’re ready for whatever nature throws at you. Pick up a FastAid first aid kit in-store or online to ensure you're fully equipped for your next trip.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.