One of the most important pieces of paper you should carry with you when travelling is an Advance Care Document, yet very few of us do. Having worked for the last 35 years as an emergency department nurse, one frustrating situation we experience over and over again is when a person becomes seriously … Continue reading Advance care planning for travellers.
Snakebite first aid.
Yesterday we took a short afternoon amble down 'Canyon Walk' along the banks of the Ovens river. We had been advised by locals to take care as snakes were fairly active right now and walkers had reported seeing several warming themselves on the paths in recent days. Sure enough, 10 minutes into our walk Kelly … Continue reading Snakebite first aid.
Responding to cardiac arrest!
Q. Do you have what it takes to respond to a cardiac arrest? A. Yes you do. Even if you have never done a life support course (or done it so long ago you dont feel confident you can remember what to do). You are at a shopping centre, or backing your caravan into a … Continue reading Responding to cardiac arrest!
Baby won’t settle? Check for this potential emergency.
This quick check only takes a couple of seconds and may prevent a medical emergency in your child. Let's say your baby has become increasingly irritable and unsettled over the last hour. They are now crying constantly. You try all the things that usually get them to settle without success. It's strange, they were perfectly … Continue reading Baby won’t settle? Check for this potential emergency.
Giving paracetamol to your kids for fevers. The facts.
So you are away travelling and your child develops a fever. They seem otherwise OK and are still running around like crazy. But you are concerned that they might be getting sick. Should you give them a dose of paracetamol? Fever is one of the most common symptoms of illness in children. And … Continue reading Giving paracetamol to your kids for fevers. The facts.
Carbon Monoxide danger.
Sad story in the news today of an experienced sailor who died after accidental exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) from a gas stove on board his boat. CO is colourless and odourless and is produced during the incomplete combustion of organic matter. CO can rapidly accumulate in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Essentially CO has … Continue reading Carbon Monoxide danger.
