Summer’s Hidden Dangers: The First Aid Skills Every Aussie Should Know Before the Holidays

Summer’s Hidden Dangers: The First Aid Skills Every Aussie Should Know Before the Holidays

Summer in Melbourne’s north-west means blue skies, BBQs, and beach days. It’s the season we wait for all year…  but it’s also when emergency departments see a spike in preventable injuries.

From heat exhaustion to bites and backyard burns, a little first aid knowledge can make the difference between a ruined weekend and a quick recovery.
So before you head out to Brimbank Park, Woodlands, or your favourite beach spot, take five minutes to brush up on the essentials.

Why Summer Accidents Are So Common

It’s not bad luck. It’s a mix of weather, activity, and relaxed routines.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW):

• Around 1,600 Australians are hospitalised every day due to injury.
• In summer, outdoor and heat-related injuries rise by up to 20%.
• Alcohol-related incidents also increase during public holidays and long weekends.

The good news is that most of these injuries are minor… and manageable… if you know the right first aid steps.

The Most Common Summer Incidents (and How to Treat Them)

Let’s look at the top causes of summer trips to urgent care… and what to do when they happen.

1. Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Hot days, outdoor sports, and long celebrations can lead to heat-related illness quickly.

Early warning signs:

• Heavy sweating and tiredness
• Dizziness, nausea, and headache
• Pale, clammy skin

What to do:

1. Move to a cool, shaded area.
2. Loosen clothing and sip cool water or electrolyte drinks.
3. Cool the skin with a damp towel or cold pack on the neck and armpits.
4. If the person becomes confused, vomits, or stops sweating, call Triple Zero (000)…  it may be heatstroke, which is life-threatening.

2. Sunburn

It takes only 15 minutes in the midday sun to burn in Victoria. Even cloudy days can do it.

First aid for sunburn:

• Move out of the sun immediately.
• Apply cool compresses or aloe vera gel.
• Drink extra water.
• Do not pop blisters or use ice.

Prevention tips:

• Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours.
• Use hats, shade, and UV-protective clothing.

3. BBQ and Campfire Burns

Cup Day, Christmas, and Australia Day all have one thing in common… people around a BBQ. Burns are among the top summer injuries treated by first aiders.

First aid for minor burns:

1. Cool the area under running water for 20 minutes.
2. Do not use ice, butter, or creams.
3. Remove jewellery and tight clothing near the burn.
4. Cover with a non-stick dressing or cling wrap.

Seek medical help if the burn is larger than a 20-cent coin, on the face or joints, or looks deep.

4. Insect Bites and Stings

Bees, wasps, ants, and mosquitoes love a warm summer too. Around parks like Keilor Park, Woodlands, and Melton Botanic Garden, stings are one of the most common reasons people reach for the first aid kit.

For most bites or stings:

• Remove the sting if visible by scraping it sideways (do not squeeze).
• Wash the area and apply a cold pack.
• Take an antihistamine if there is swelling or itchiness.

For serious allergic reactions:

• Use an EpiPen if available.
• Call 000 immediately if there is breathing trouble, dizziness, or swelling of the face or throat.

5. Cuts, Scrapes, and Splinters

Outdoor activities mean more sharp tools, broken glass, and rough play.

First aid for minor cuts:

1. Wash the wound with saline or clean water.
2. Apply gentle pressure with a sterile pad to stop bleeding.
3. Cover with a dressing or adhesive strip.
4. Keep it clean and dry; change dressings daily.
   
   

For deep wounds, heavy bleeding, or dirt that won’t wash out, see a doctor.

6. Sprains and Strains

Backyard cricket, frisbee at the park, or a beach run can all end in a rolled ankle.

First aid (RICER method):

• Rest: Stop the activity and rest the area.
• Ice: Apply a cold pack for 20 minutes.
• Compression: Use a soft bandage for support.
• Elevation: Keep the injured part raised.
• Refer: always refer to a medical professional

If it’s swollen, bruised, or too painful to move, get an X-ray to rule out a fracture.

7. Dehydration

Sweating, alcohol, and sun combine to drain fluids fast.

Signs: Dry mouth, headache, dizziness, dark urine.
What to do:

• Sit in the shade and sip water slowly.
• Use electrolyte tablets or oral rehydration salts.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine until rehydrated.
  
  

8. Drowning and Water Safety

Every year, more than 250 Australians drown, with most incidents happening in rivers, lakes, and backyard pools.

Key prevention steps:

• Never leave kids unsupervised near water, even for a minute.
• Always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.
• Learn CPR…  it saves lives.
  
  

If someone is pulled from the water:

• Call 000 immediately.
• Check for breathing.
• If they’re not breathing, start CPR until help arrives.
  
  

The First Aid Skills Every Aussie Should Know

You don’t need to be a paramedic to make a difference.
Here are the basics worth learning (or refreshing):

• CPR for adults and children
• How to use an EpiPen
• Burn management
• Bleeding control and wound care
• Recognising heatstroke and dehydration
• Basic snakebite bandaging

Even one hour of hands-on training can build confidence and calm in emergencies.

Build Your Summer Safety Kit

Before you head out for the day, check that you have these essentials packed:

Portable first aid kit checklist:

• Adhesive bandages and sterile dressings
• Antiseptic wipes or spray
• Burn gel
• Saline solution
• Tweezers and small scissors
• Instant cold pack
• Antihistamines
• Electrolyte sachets
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• A printed first aid quick guide

Check expiry dates before every trip and keep your kit in a cool, dry place.

Local Hotspots to Be Mindful Of

• Brimbank Park – ideal for BBQs and picnics, but bees and hot plates cause plenty of minor burns and stings.
• Woodlands Historic Park – great walking trails, but known for snakes in warmer months.
• Maribyrnong River – fishing and kayaking are popular, so pack a dry first aid kit for cuts and sunburn.
• Melton Botanic Garden – shaded and beautiful, but insect bites are common.

Knowing what risks exist helps you plan better and respond faster.

Summer First Aid Myths (and the Truths Behind Them)

1. “Butter helps burns.”
   False. It traps heat. Use cool running water for 20 minutes instead.
2. “You can’t get sunburnt in the shade.”
   False. UV rays reflect off sand, water, and concrete.
3. “Pouring cold water on a fainting person wakes them up.”
   False. Lay them down, raise their legs slightly, and check breathing.
4. “Snake bites should be cut or sucked.”
   Absolutely not. Apply a firm pressure bandage, immobilise, and call 000.
5. “If someone looks fine after nearly drowning, they’re fine.”
   False. Secondary drowning can develop hours later… always get checked.
   
   

Be Ready, Not Scared

Summer is about making memories, not emergency room visits.
A little preparation, a stocked kit, and a few first aid basics can make your holidays safer for everyone.

If you want to feel confident handling the most common summer injuries, AB First Aid offers local, practical training right here in Melbourne’s north-west… simple, friendly, and focused on real-world scenarios.

Here’s to a safe, sunny summer ahead.

References and Resources

• AIHW – Outdoor Injuries on the Rise
• Better Health Channel – First Aid Basics
• Healthdirect Australia – Heat Exhaustion and Dehydration
• Royal Life Saving Australia – Drowning Reports
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid at Work