Summer First Aid Tips for WA Families
Western Australia’s summer is all about beaches, BBQs, boating and long days outdoors — but it also brings a spike in injuries, stings, dehydration and heat-related emergencies.
Here are the most important First Aid tips every WA family should know before heading out this summer.
⭐ 1. Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion
During WA’s hot summers, heat illnesses are extremely common.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms:
Heavy sweating
Headache
Fatigue
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Dizziness
Heat Stroke Symptoms (Life-Threatening):
No sweating
Hot, dry skin
Confusion
Collapse
Seizures
What To Do:
Move to shade immediately
Give small sips of water
Cool with cold packs or wet towels
Call 000 if symptoms worsen or if heat stroke is suspected
⭐ 2. Jellyfish Stings (Stingers, Bluebottles, WA Coastal Waters)
Jellyfish stings are extremely common across Perth, Rockingham, Mandurah and WA beaches.
What To Do:
Rinse with seawater only (not fresh water)
Remove tentacles with tweezers or gloved hands
Immerse in hot water (not scalding) for 20 minutes to reduce pain
If breathing difficulty occurs — call 000
⭐ 3. Sunburn (Very Common in WA’s UV Levels)
WA has some of the highest UV levels in the world.
First Aid for Sunburn:
Move out of the sun
Cool the skin with cold compresses
Apply aloe vera or moisturiser
Drink plenty of water
Seek medical help if blistering or severe pain occurs
⭐ 4. Dehydration (Especially in Kids & Seniors)
Thirst is the last sign of dehydration.
Early Signs:
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Headache
Dark urine
What To Do:
Drink water or electrolyte solution
Rest in shade
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
For babies or elderly family members, call a doctor if symptoms worsen.
⭐ 5. Snake Bites (Bushland, Parks, Coastal Tracks)
Summer is peak snake season in WA.
What To Do:
Do NOT wash the bite
Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage
Keep the person still
Mark the bite location
Call 000 immediately
⭐ 6. Drowning Prevention (Pools, Beaches, Boats)
Sadly, drowning is one of the biggest summer risks in WA.
Prevention Tips:
Always supervise children (arm’s reach)
Avoid alcohol around water
Know your beach flags
Wear lifejackets on boats
Learn CPR
If someone is pulled from water and unresponsive:
Call 000
Start CPR immediately
Seconds matter.
⭐ 7. BBQ & Campfire Burns
Very common during summer gatherings.
First Aid:
Run under cool running water for 20 minutes
Remove jewellery or clothing NOT stuck to skin
Do NOT apply ice, cream, butter or toothpaste
Cover with clean non-stick dressing
Seek medical help if severe
⭐ Stay Safe This WA Summer
The best way to protect your family is with real first aid skills you can apply confidently in an emergency.
At All Ages First Aid Training Rockingham, we teach practical, hands-on courses in small classes:
HLTAID009 Provide CPR
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid
⭐ Ready to Get Trained?
Courses run every second Saturday — small classes and real skills that save lives.