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The First Aid emergencies Australians need to be ready for this spring

National First Aid Courses

As Australians emerge from winter and spend more time outdoors, National First Aid Courses is reminding households, workplaces and sporting communities that spring can bring a different set of first aid risks. 

From cuts and burns to sporting injuries, allergic reactions, insect stings and heat-related illness, spring serves up an array of potential injuries courtesy of Australia’s renewed interest in spending time outdoors.

National First Aid Courses director Samuel Bohr said with community sport, gardening, hiking, camping, swimming and other outdoor activities becoming more popular as the weather warms, spring is a good time for Australians to consider whether they would know what to do if an emergency occurred.

“Most people don't expect to find themselves dealing with a serious injury or medical emergency, but that's exactly why first aid knowledge matters,” Mr Bohr said.

“You don't need to be a medical professional to provide first aid. You need to recognise when something is wrong, know the appropriate first steps and understand when to call for emergency help.

“Spring is a good reminder to refresh those skills, particularly if you're going to be spending more time outdoors, playing sport, travelling or working in environments where injuries can happen.”

The spring first aid risks Australians should be prepared for

Mr Bohr said many of the injuries associated with spring activities were relatively minor, but knowing what to do could also make a critical difference when a more serious emergency occurred.

“First aid is really about being prepared for those moments you don’t expect,” he said.

“Knowing how to respond to anything from a simple cut or burn through to severe bleeding, an allergic reaction or cardiac arrest means you can take action quickly and confidently while further help is arranged.”

1. Cuts, grazes and serious bleeding

More time outdoors can mean more opportunities for cuts and other wounds – from gardening accidents and broken glass to falls while cycling or hiking.

For a minor wound, Australian health advice recommends applying pressure to stop bleeding, cleaning the wound and covering it. However, severe bleeding requires urgent attention.

If bleeding is severe or cannot be controlled with pressure, call 000 and continue applying firm pressure while waiting for help.

2. Burns from cooking, camping and outdoor activities

Spring often means more barbecues, camping trips, outdoor cooking and recreational fires, all of which can introduce burn risks.

Australian health guidance recommends cooling a burn with running water for at least 20 minutes, removing tight items such as jewellery where possible and covering the area with a light, loose, non-stick dressing.

“One of the most important things with burns is knowing what to do immediately,” Mr Bohr said.

“There are plenty of old first aid myths around burns, so it's worth making sure the information you're relying on is current and evidence-based.”

3. Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis

Spring can also mean increased exposure to insects and other potential allergens.

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction and can affect a person's airway, breathing or circulation. Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia identifies food, medications and insects among the most common causes.

Insect stings can occasionally trigger anaphylaxis. If someone is experiencing anaphylaxis following an insect sting and has an adrenaline autoinjector, use it immediately and call 000 for an ambulance.

“A severe allergic reaction can escalate quickly,” Mr Bohr said.

“If someone has difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, wheezing, dizziness or collapses after exposure to an allergen, that's not something to simply watch and wait on.

“Knowing how to recognise anaphylaxis and respond appropriately can give someone a much better chance of getting the help they need quickly.”

4. Bites and stings

Australians don't need to head into the bush to encounter bites and stings. Bees, wasps, ants and other insects can be found in backyards, parks, sporting grounds and workplaces.

Most insect bites and stings can be managed with basic first aid, including washing the area and using a cold pack to reduce pain, itching and swelling. However, symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, dizziness or collapse require emergency assistance.

“The important thing is knowing the difference between a minor local reaction and something that could be becoming a medical emergency,” Mr Bohr said.

5. Heat-related illness

Spring can bring a rapid increase in temperatures, particularly during outdoor work, exercise and sporting activities.

Heat-related illness ranges from dehydration and heat cramps through to heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke.

Signs of heatstroke can include a very high body temperature, confusion, altered behaviour, seizures and loss of consciousness.

If heatstroke is suspected, call 000 and begin cooling the person while waiting for an ambulance.

“People sometimes think heat illness is simply a matter of feeling a bit tired or thirsty,” Mr Bohr said.

“But heatstroke is an emergency. Being able to recognise that deterioration and act quickly is an important part of first aid, particularly for people working or exercising outdoors.”

6. Sports injuries

Spring also marks the return or increase of many community sporting activities, bringing with it the possibility of falls, fractures, sprains, strains and other injuries.

The latest AIHW data recorded around 61,000 sports injury hospitalisations in 2024–25. Falls were the leading cause, accounting for approximately 19,200 hospitalisations, while cycling accounted for around 7200.

The data also shows that young people are particularly represented in sports injury statistics, with males aged 15–19 recording the highest rate of sports injury hospitalisation.

“A first aid kit is useful, but it's not a substitute for knowing how to assess an injured person,” Mr Bohr said.

“Parents, coaches, teachers, volunteers and sporting club members can all benefit from having the confidence to respond when something goes wrong.”

7. Water-related emergencies

As temperatures rise, Australians also return to swimming pools, beaches, rivers and other waterways.

Mr Bohr said water safety and first aid knowledge should go hand in hand as families spend more time around pools and waterways.

“The warmer months are when many Australians naturally spend more time around water,” he said.

“People should think beyond prevention and consider whether they would know what to do if someone was pulled from the water and wasn't responding normally.”

Spring is a good time to refresh your first aid skills

For Australians who completed first aid training some time ago, the start of spring can provide a useful reminder to check when their training was last refreshed and whether their skills are still current.

It is also an opportunity for workplaces, sporting clubs, community organisations and families to consider whether enough people know how to respond to an emergency.

“You don't have to wait until something goes wrong before thinking about first aid,” Mr Bohr said.

“A few hours spent developing practical skills can give people greater confidence to respond when someone around them needs help.”

National First Aid Courses provides nationally recognised first aid training designed to give Australians practical skills and confidence to respond to emergencies in the workplace and everyday life.

 

About us:

National First Aid Courses is a leading provider of nationally recognised face-to-face First Aid training, with courses available in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

Contact details:

Samuel Bohr
Director National First Aid Courses
Ph: 1300 677 191
Email: [email protected]