Self Responsibility & Medical Care
The Australian Outback offers spectacular scenery and the chance for great adventure. But it is important to be ready for the rigours of travelling in isolated areas.
Unfortunately, up to a quarter of the emergency medical evacuations that the RFDS carries out each year are the result of city travellers who get into trouble on their Outback adventure
There are few places on earth as vast, beautiful, rugged or unforgiving as the Australian outback. Be prepared and cautious before you set out on your outback adventure.
Preparation
get good quality maps and plan your route
be careful of how much you pack on your roof rack; a heavy load on top increases the chances of a roll-over
store water in small containers instead of one large tank; check all water containers for leaks; most towns have water but, at some places, you may not be able to get drinking water; don't rely on waterholes, dams, bores, mills, tanks or troughs; soap or detergents should not be used in any natural watercourse or stock watering point
carry enough food for each person for two days,
bring matches or a lighter
pack a fire extinguisher
get a summary of your medical history and bring all medication and repeat scripts with you
do a first aid course and pack a first aid kit
take a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
wear clothing suitable for the climate; wear good walking shoes; take warmer clothes for the evenings
don't travel in the hottest part of the year
overseas visitors are encouraged to take out adequate travel insurance when travelling in Outback Australia
Anyone who requires emergency services should dial 000 and be prepared to give their location. For those with a smartphone, consider downloading the 'Emergency +' app so you can turn it on when you do need to use 000. Switch off at other times to avoid draining your battery. The app will indicate your longitude and latitude and assist emergency services including the RFDS to find you. This app may work in some areas where there is no mobile voice coverage, but there is data coverage. If you don't have a smartphone, keep an eye on the crossroads as you travel and mark your journey on a map. If travelling to a remote area there may be no mobile coverage so a Satellite phone is a good idea.
General information for Outback travellers
Aboriginal land
If you are planning to travel through Aboriginal land (other than on designated highways), you must obtain a permit; tour leaders will organise permits for their tours; it is the right of Traditional Owners to refuse entry permits
Sacred Sites
There are a number of places or objects that hold special significance for Aboriginal people; visitors are welcome but respect must be shown for these sites; some are protected by law and there are penalties for trespassing; permit applications and general enquiries must be directed in writing to the relevant Land Council in each State
Truck parking bays
Never park in truck parking bays which are provided exclusively for the use of trucks and road trains; these rigs need room to manoeuvre their trailers and often need to run noisy refrigeration units. Rest areas are provided for regular fatigue breaks and there are camping and caravan parks facilities for overnight stops.
Pets
Dogs and cats cannot be taken into National Parks
Exploring on foot
Before you set out anywhere, get local advice about conditions and what you should know about where you intend to go. Advise people of your intended trip, where you will be going, when you'll be leaving, when you think you'll be back, so if you're not back, they can sound the alarm. Remember to:
carry ample food and water
take notice of signs at ALL times
follow the advice of tour guides and rangers
always wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a reliable insect repellent
wear good walking shoes and be prepared for extremes of temperature
carry a detailed map, compass, whistle and lighter if it is an emergency
If well planned, your trip should go smoothly and safely, but if you get into difficulty, there are a few key things to remember:
if your car breaks down or you become lost, never leave your vehicle; use it for shade and shelter and remember it is easier to locate a missing vehicle than a missing person in the vast Australian Outback
if you become lost while out walking, sit down and study your maps; determine where you came from and slowly take that route back; if you can't find the way back, move to higher ground
distribute food and water sparingly
if you hear rescuers, signal with three torch flashes and with your whistle
light a small smoky fire with green leaves during the day and a small bright fire with dry materials at night
be prepared to wait
Click here to learn how to prepare a patient for transport, or prepare an airstrip for the Flying Doctor.
Watch for the signs of exposure
heat exposure - an affected person becomes pale, clammy and breathes rapidly and should be sponged with cool water: drink water with a little salt dissolved in it and rest in the shade
exposure to cold – an affected person may become slow, irritable, develop cramps, shiver, stumble and have blurred vision; attempt to find shelter from wind and rain, wrap up as warm as possible, share a sleeping bag and drink warm fluids, take a little salt or a salt tablet
DISCLAIMER: NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED BY Gascoyne in May Inc (trading as Creality) FOR ACTIONS TAKEN AS A RESULT OF INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE.
Print out these first aid basics