"It is surprising how many emergency calls we get from people unprepared for the rigours of outback travel.
It is hard to imagine how vast the Outback is, and how easily emergencies can happen, until it is too late.
"    Chief Medical Officer, Dr Bruce Sanderson (South Eastern Section)

Exploring the beauty of Australia away from the cities can be quite an adventure but we urge you to pay attention to some safety tips and general information which should make your trip more enjoyable and very importantly - safer.

• TRIP PREPARATION 
• ON THE ROAD
• GENERAL INFORMATION
• DANGERS
• CHECK LIST
• WATER (DEHYDRATION)
• IN AN EMERGENCY
• SNAKE BITES
• LAST BUT NOT LEAST

TRIP PREPARATION

1. Get good quality maps and plan your route.
2. Be careful of how much you pack on your roof rack. A heavy load on top increases the chances of a roll-over.
3. Wear your seatbelt.
4. Check all water containers for leaks. Store water in small containers instead of one large tank.
5. Pack a fire extinguisher.
6. Carry an HF radio compatible with the RFDS. Mobile phones and CB radios will not work in remote areas. You can buy a Flying Doctor HF radio from most two-way communication centres or you can hire one from RFDS bases.
7. Bring all medication and repeat scripts. See your doctor before you go. Get a summary of your medical history.
8. Take a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
9. Wear clothing appropriate for the climate and walking shoes. Take warmer clothes as it can get cold in the evenings.
10. Don't travel in the hottest part of the year.
11. Take plenty of water. Someone unaccustomed to the Outback might need one litre of water every hour.
12. Do a first aid course and pack a first aid kit.

ROADS

Roads around Australia vary from first class, all weather, sealed roads to unsealed and 4x4 adventure routes. The good news is that 95% of the major tourist spots are accessible by sealed roads.

Safety on Unsealed Roads

Important safety tips to remember when you travel on unsealed roads:

• Reduce speed as traction often decreases and braking distances increase.
• Beware of hidden dangers such as dust filled holes, as well as soft and sloping edges.
• Take care on Outback tracks when overtaking as dust obscures vision – dangers may be hidden.
• To avoid sliding, slow right down before making a turn.
• The condition of unsealed roads varies according to the weather, usage and how often they are graded. Unsealed roads can be excellent just after grading but poor before the next grading. It is important to check road conditions before travelling.
• Watch out for animals on the road, the most dangerous times are at night, dusk and dawn.
• If you are driving a 4x4, it is recommended you engage 4x4 when travelling on unsealed roads. These vehicles have a high centre of gravity and control can be affected by strong winds.

Road conditions

To check on road conditions, closures and restrictions ask at the nearest tourism association, Parks and Wildlife office or where you are staying.

Road Rules

• Seat Belts - By law, the wearing of a seatbelt by everyone in the vehicle is mandatory in Australia if seat belts are fitted to the vehicle. Fines are imposed on those who don’t wear them and it is the driver who is responsible for ensuring that all passengers ‘Belt Up’.
• Drinking and Driving - Australia has a 0.05 per cent blood alcohol limit for drivers holding open class licences. Contact the Police in the State in which you are travelling on limits applying to other classes of licence.
• International Drivers - Remember that in Australia vehicles are right hand drive and we travel on the left hand side of the road. Before leaving, check your licence is valid.

DANGERS

• Fatigue - Driving long distances can cause fatigue – one of the most common causes of serious accidents! STOP and REST at least every two hours.
• Speed - Speed limits vary from State to State. In the Northern Territory there is no speed limit on the open roads but the best advice is to continue to drive at a reasonable speed that allows you to stop safely.
• Stock and Wildlife - Sealed and unsealed roads may be unfenced, so beware of wandering stock and wildlife. These can include sheep, cattle, kangaroos and in Central Australia, the odd camel. Dawn, dusk and night driving are the times best avoided.
• Road Trains - These trucks can be up to three trailers (50 metres) long. Always give them plenty of room and if overtaking, allow at least 1km of clear road ahead.
• Floods - Do not attempt to cross flooded bridges or causeways unless you are absolutely sure of the depth and any road damage. Most flash floods recede within 24 hours.
• Dust - Dust on Outback roads can obscure your vision. Do not take risks. Stop and wait for it to settle.
• Lost or broken down - Do not leave your vehicle under any circumstances - a missing vehicle is easier to locate than missing people. Economise on water if you are not on a main road. If you intend to leave the main roads, let somebody know of your estimated time of arrival at your destination.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Truck Parking Bays

Do not park in truck parking bays. These bays are provided exclusively for the use of trucks and road trains to allow drivers to park their rigs safely while taking rest breaks. They need room to manoeuvre their trailers and often need to run noisy refrigeration units. Rest areas are provided for your regular fatigue breaks and there are camping and caravan park facilities for overnight stops.

Dogs & Cats

Visitors travelling with pets should note that dogs and cats cannot be taken into National Parks.

Aboriginal Land and Sites

If you are planning to travel through Aboriginal Land other than on designated highways, you must obtain a permit. Those travelling on an organised tour will have their permit organised for them. It is the right of Traditional Owners to refuse any entry permits.

There are a number of places or objects that hold special significance for Aboriginal people. Visitors are welcome but respect should 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.

CHECKLIST

The following check list indicates what we feel you should have in the car at all times:

• Maps of the area - as detailed as possible particularly if you plan to go off the major roads
• A compass
• Matches or a lighter and fire-lighter blocks
• Water (see section on "Water")
• Food enough for each person for two days
• Clothes - two changes, one for the heat, one for when it becomes cold. When travelling in outback areas temperature extremes can be experienced within one day. Evenings can be very cool after a warm day so in addition to packing a shady hat, long sleeved shirts and comfortable walking shoes or boots, it is a good idea to take a sweater for the nights.
• A first aid kit with bandages, plasters, an antiseptic cream, sunblock cream, a broad spectrum antibiotic, insect repellent, a pain reliever a booklet on first aid and anything else you feel you may need.
• Tools - a complete set, especially a jack and check that all are in working order. The main towns are well equipped with motor mechanics and parts retailers but this is not always the case in remote areas, so be prepared. If going off the main roads, take an extra jack with a large base to stop it sinking in the sand or mud, preferably two spare tyres correctly inflated, engine oil, axe, shovel, globes, fanbelt, fuses, coil, condenser, radiator hoses, tow rope, distributor points and one or two big flashlights.
• Radio - one that can pick up at least one station, so you'll get those all important weather reports.
• Two-way HF Radio - When in the remote Outback it's important to carry a 2-way HF radio with Flying Doctor and VKS-737 or Radtel frequencies. Mobile phone signal coverage is very limited.
• Extra fuel - Carrying extra fuel in jerrycans is not usually necessary except in the remote Outback when towns are a long distance apart. Most towns have fuel facilities, so simply plan ahead, keep your tank topped up as you go and check at each stop for where the next stop will be on your journey.

WATER (Dehydration)

Wherever you are visiting you should be aware of and take into account the climate and its effect on your body. Water is the cheapest and most effective cooling agent for the body and in hot weather it is important to consume adequate amounts of water to prevent dehydration.

Most people should drink at least eight (8) glasses of water a day to maintain an adequate level of hydration. If active (eg walking, climbing etc) you will need to consume additional water at regular intervals. Remember, don't wait to feel thirsty before taking a drink!

As you tour, you'll find that most towns have water but at some places you may not be able to get drinking water. So we recommend that you carry drinking water with you - in very hot conditions carry 10 litres of water per person per day. It may seem a lot, but when it's hot, you should drink about a litre an hour. Don't rely on waterholes, dams, bores, mills, tanks or troughs. Carry your own water. Soap or detergents should not be used in any natural water course or stock watering point.

Exploring on Foot

A favourite way to explore parts of Australia is on foot. Before you set out anywhere, get local advice about conditions, what you should know about where you intend to go. Advise people of your intended trip, when you'll be leaving, when you think you'll be back, so if you're not back, they can get help to you.

Remember when you are out and about:

• carry plenty of water and some food
• take notice of signs at ALL times
• take notice of tour guides and rangers
• carry personal protection - hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a reliable insect repellent
• carry a map of the area, a compass, a whistle and a lighter
• if it's hot take a little salt
• wear good walking shoes and appropriate clothing and whatever the temperature carry clothing to protect you from the cold

IN AN EMERGENCY

If correctly planned your trip will go smoothly and happily but from time to time people do get lost and find themselves in difficult situations.

Whether you are out driving or walking and find yourself in trouble there are a few key things to remember.

• If you get stranded while driving - stay with the car. Never leave it. Use it for shade. This is the most important advice we can give you.
• If your become lost while out walking just sit down and study your maps. Work out where you came from and slowly take that route back. If you can't find the way, back, move to higher ground.
• In both situations, share out the food and water, listen for rescuers and signal if you hear them. Signal with three torch flashes and with your whistle. During the day, light a small fire, smoky with green leaves. As night comes, light a small bright fire with dry materials. Be prepared to wait.
• Watch for exposure. From heat - people become pale, clammy and breathe rapidly. They should rest in the shade, be sponged with cool water and drink cool water with a little salt dissolved in it. From cold - they become slow and irritable, may stumble, get cramps, shiver and get blurred vision. They should rest in shelter from the wind and rain, wrap up as warmly as possible, share a sleeping bag, have warm drinks.

SNAKE BITES

Of the world's 25 most deadly snakes, Australia is home to 21 of them. The perceived threat of snake bites is one of the most common fears for people planning to travel in Outback Australia, especially overseas tourists.

Contrary to popular belief, however, snake bites are not a major cause of death for people in Australia. In 1997, six people died of snake bites (Australian Bureau of Statistics)

It is important for everyone to know what action to take after a real or suspected snake bite. The action taken immediately is crucial for the patient's recovery.

What snake is it?

Being able to identify the snake will help the doctor pick the right anti-venom quickly. But if you don't know what type of snake it was, don't guess. Doctors can use a 'venom-detection kit' to determine what type of snake bit you and which anti-venom to use.

If you don't know for certain what type of snake bit you, don't guess. Don't assume because it was brown that it was a 'brown snake'. It could be disastrous if the doctor gave you anti-venom for the wrong snake bite.

Stay still and apply pressure

Most snake bites are to the lower limbs. It is most important that you stay still and apply pressure to the bitten area, preferably with firm bandages, about as tight as you would bind a sprained ankle. Do not apply a tourniquet. Splint the whole area to immobilise.

Don't take off jeans or other clothing, as the movement involved could help the venom enter and travel through the bloodstream. Do not try and force the venom out of the bitten area. This will only push the venom further into the bloodstream.

Once the area is bandaged and splinted, it will be comfortable and can be left on for several hours. Do not take off the bandage until you reach medical care, or it reaches you. The doctor will decide when to remove the bandages, usually when the anti-venom is prepared and ready to be administered.

Taking this action will help prevent venom from spreading through your body and bringing on severe symptoms. It also means you will need less anti-venom and will suffer from less anti-venom side effects.

Have you been bitten?

Australian snake bites often are not painful and you might not realise you have been bitten. Take note of the following symptoms:

• Continued bleeding from bite site
• Tender or painful regional lymph nodes
• Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Sudden and perhaps transient hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure) which may cause partial loss of consciousness
• Blurred or double vision
• Facial paralysis
• Voluntary muscle weakness and the diaphragm may be paralysed progressively.

How do you get medical help?

If you are travelling in Outback Australia and you are bitten by a snake, contact the Flying Doctors on your HF radio as soon as possible. They will give you advice and make arrangements to fly in to provide medical assistance.

In many parts of Australia, access to adequate health care can mean long journeys by road. The RFDS not only provides general health care and emergency services to local communities, but also to travellers.

We urge all overseas visitors to take out adequate travel insurance when visiting Australia.

Last but not Least

Re-check your Travel routes to make sure you have the MOST up todate information before you go, and leave a plan of your trip with family or freinds.

NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED BY THE RFDS or TELSTAT Communications FOR ACTIONS TAKEN AS A RESULT OF INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE.