Stay Prepared - News, Tips & Tools

Get first aid for construction right with LFA First Response. Learn about first aiders, kits, placement and compliance for Australian worksites.

Get first aid for construction right with LFA First Response. Learn about first aiders, kits, placement and compliance for Australian worksites.

When someone is seriously hurt at work, the minutes before an ambulance arrives are the ones that matter most. On a busy warehouse floor, a remote mine site or a large campus, that early care has to happen somewhere clean, private and set up for the job. That somewhere is a first aid room.

Fainting is one of the most common medical incidents in Australian schools, workplaces, and public events. Most episodes pass quickly and cause no lasting harm, but knowing what to do when someone faints and acting on it fast is what determines how the situation plays out.

Australia sees more than 26,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year — yet only around 10% of people survive. When a bystander uses an AED alongside CPR, survival rates can rise to around 50%.

A student who suddenly loses the ability to focus on a simple task. A quiet teenager who becomes uncharacteristically irritable or argumentative. A child who repeatedly asks to leave the room for water or the bathroom, far beyond their usual routine.

A first aid kit itself does not expire, but many of the medical supplies inside it do. Items like sterile dressings, antiseptics, medications, saline and gloves have manufacturer expiry dates that affect their safety and effectiveness. Regular inspections, timely replacement of expired items and proper storage are essential to keep the kit compliant, reliable and ready to use in an emergency.

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.