Stay Prepared - News, Tips & Tools

When an emergency happens at school, compliance gaps quickly become legal risks. With 2025–2026 updates to Safe Work Australia's Code of Practice and evolving state mandates, principals and WHS officers must rethink what “adequately stocked” really means. This expert checklist outlines the exact supplies, kits, and audit systems schools need to protect students and staff with confidence.

Australia’s harsh UV conditions mean sunburn can quickly progress from mild redness to a serious medical issue. This sunburn severity chart helps you identify each stage — mild, moderate, severe, and sun poisoning — and explains the correct first aid response. Learn when home care is enough, when to see a GP, and when to call 000.

What does RICE stand for in first aid? This practical guide explains Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, how each step works, and when to refer injuries for medical care, helping first responders manage sprains and strains with confidence in the critical first minutes.

An AED can save a life only if it’s ready when seconds matter. This article outlines simple AED defibrillator maintenance steps, from quick monthly checks to annual reviews, helping workplaces, schools and community sites stay compliant, prepared and rescue-ready when it matters most.

What is the best insect repellent for Australian conditions? This practical guide compares DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus, explains safe use for children and families, and helps you choose the right RID product for everyday protection, camping, or travel.

People often focus on trying to identify whether a snake is venomous, but that’s not what keeps you safe,” says Dr. Emily Richards, herpetologist and wildlife safety educator. “What really matters is behaviour — yours and the snake’s. Staying calm, keeping your distance, and knowing first aid will always do more to save a life than any visual identification ever could.

Australia is home to thousands of spider species, but only a few can cause serious harm. This guide explains how to recognise dangerous spider bites, what symptoms to watch for, and the correct first-aid techniques for funnel-web, redback, and white-tailed spiders. With clear steps on when to call 000, how to apply pressure immobilisation, and how to treat low-risk bites at home, it empowers you to respond calmly and effectively. You’ll also learn simple prevention tips, what to keep in you

Anaphylaxis can strike without warning and become life-threatening within minutes. Learn how to identify symptoms, administer adrenaline, call 000, and set up an anaphylaxis-ready first aid kit tailored for schools, workplaces, events, and remote areas. This guide walks you through prevention, emergency response, aftercare, and the essential gear every site should have.

In any school environment, accidents and medical incidents can happen without warning. Whether it’s a scraped knee on the playground, an allergic reaction in the lunchroom, or a sudden asthma attack during sport, having a well-stocked and compliant classroom first aid kit is essential.

Crush injuries are among the most serious workplace incidents, especially in high-risk environments like mines, construction sites, and industrial facilities. Whether caused by collapsing structures, heavy machinery, or vehicular accidents, crush injuries demand immediate and informed first aid.

Excursions are a highlight of the school year. A break from routine, a chance to learn outside the classroom, and let’s be honest, a whole lot of fun. But with new environments come new risks. When you’re responsible for a group of kids, safety on school excursions isn’t optional. It’s your top priority.

Keeping up with mine health and safety regulations isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about making sure every worker on your site goes home safe. In one of Australia’s toughest and riskiest industries, staying compliant with first aid requirements is more important than ever.

If you’ve ever worked a remote site, you already know it’s a different beast entirely. You're not just thinking about safety protocols. You're thinking about what happens when everything goes sideways and you're the only line of defence.

Schools are fast-paced environments, and with so many moving parts, health and safety risks can crop up at any moment. From playground slips to medical emergencies, being prepared isn’t optional. It’s essential.

From high-risk machinery to remote locations, every shift brings new challenges. That’s why prevention, preparation, and the right gear are non-negotiable. In this guide, we break down how to minimise injuries and stay compliant with practical, boots-on-the-ground solutions—because when help isn’t just minutes away, being ready makes all the difference.

Emergencies don’t wait for convenient timing, and in a school setting, every second matters. Whether it’s a student fainting in class, a fire alarm going off mid-assembly, or an unexpected allergic reaction in the lunchroom, a school’s safety plan is only as strong as its weakest link.