First Aid Show Australia Daily Minute

It’s called a dressing, but it isn’t designed to stay on a wound for days. So what exactly is a combine dressing, and why is it one of the most useful items in a first aid kit when bleeding occurs? In this episode, you’ll learn what a combine dressing is, the different sizes it comes in, and how it helps manage bleeding by absorbing blood and protecting the wound. You’ll also discover why removing...

The spine does much more than hold us upright. It protects the spinal cord, allows movement, and acts as the body’s communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. But what happens when that system is damaged? In this episode, you’ll learn the basic anatomy of the spine, the different regions of the vertebral column, and the important role the spinal cord plays in movement and se...

Applications are now open for exhibitors and sponsors at the First Aid Show 2027. If your organisation provides products, services, training, equipment, technology, or support to the first aid and emergency care sector, we’d love to hear from you. Download the 2027 Exhibitor & Sponsor Prospectus today and explore the opportunities available. 🚨 Early Bird Offer 🚨 Book and pay for your exhibit...

Not every venomous bite in Australia is treated the same way. In fact, one of the most common first aid mistakes is treating a redback spider bite like a snake bite. So how do you recognise a redback bite, and what should you actually do? In this episode, you’ll learn where redback spiders are commonly found, the signs and symptoms of envenomation, and why pain is often the first symptom. You’ll a...

A rash, swelling, or tingling in the mouth may seem like a mild allergic reaction, but how do you recognise when it has become anaphylaxis? And can someone develop a severe reaction without any warning signs beforehand? In this episode, you’ll learn the difference between mild allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, the warning signs that require immediate action, and why breathing difficulties should...

A patient is short of breath and a pulse oximeter shows an oxygen saturation of 89%. Is this an emergency, or could it be normal for that patient? Understanding what the numbers mean is just as important as knowing how to use the device. In this episode, you’ll learn what SpO₂ monitors measure, their role in first aid and patient assessment, and what oxygen saturation ranges are considered normal....

A patient with diabetes becomes pale, sweaty and confused. Their blood sugar is low, but should you reach for glucose gel or glucose tablets? And are they really absorbed through the mouth as many people believe? In this episode, you’ll learn how oral glucose works, the different forms it comes in, when it should be used, and when it should not be given. You’ll also discover the important differen...

Giving a medication might seem straightforward, but five simple checks can help prevent potentially serious errors. Whether it’s a prescribed medication, a first aid treatment, or an emergency medication, knowing what to check before administration is an essential skill. In this episode, you’ll learn the five rights of medication administration, why patient identification matters, and how timing,...

It’s time to put your first aid knowledge to the test. In this quiz episode, we revisit some of the key lessons from recent episodes covering blood glucose monitoring, snake bites, EpiPens®, neck injuries, and snake bite bandages. Can you remember the important facts, recognise the warning signs, and recall the key actions that could make a difference during an emergency? Play along, test your kno...

The wait is over. In this special bonus episode, we announce that tickets for the 2027 First Aid Show Conference and Mini Expo are now officially on sale. Join us on Monday 17th May 2027 for a full day dedicated to first aid, pre-hospital care, clinical skills, education, and networking. In this episode, you’ll hear what’s planned for the 2027 event, why this year’s conference will be bigger than...

They’re often one of the longest items in a first aid kit, but many people have never used one. So what makes a snake bite bandage different from an ordinary bandage, and why can it be so important during a medical emergency? In this episode, you’ll learn how snake bite bandages work, why pressure immobilisation is used for certain venomous bites and stings, and what features can help first aiders...

A simple fall, a sporting collision, or a seemingly minor accident can sometimes result in a serious neck injury. But how do you recognise when the cervical spine may be involved, and what signs should make you stop and think? In this episode, you’ll learn why the neck is treated as part of the spine, which symptoms and signs may suggest a spinal injury, and why airway management always takes prio...

When someone develops anaphylaxis, knowing how to use an EpiPen® quickly and correctly can make all the difference. But would you know what to do if you were handed one in an emergency? And should you still use an expired device?   In this episode, you’ll learn the simple steps for administering an EpiPen®, what to do after giving adrenaline, and why storage, expiry dates, and device checks are so...

Not every snake bite is painful, and not every bite leaves obvious fang marks. Some patients may feel unwell, collapse, or even appear to recover before more serious symptoms develop. Recognising the early signs of envenomation can make a significant difference in patient outcomes. In this episode, you’ll learn which signs and symptoms may suggest a venomous Australian snake bite, why visible bite...

Confusion, sweating, dizziness, or collapse can all have many possible causes. But could a simple blood sugar reading help explain what’s happening? And when should a first aider or responder consider checking a blood glucose level? In this episode, you’ll learn how a glucometer works, when blood sugar testing may assist patient assessment, and why the number on the screen is only one piece of the...

The countdown begins. The First Aid Show returns on Monday 17th May 2027 in Melbourne and online for the 4th Annual First Aid Show Conference and Mini Expo. As Australia’s first and only conference dedicated specifically to first aiders and first responders, the First Aid Show continues to bring together leading experts, practical education, and real-world experience. Tickets go on sale from 1st J...

The Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) is one of the most important first aid treatments for certain Australian bites and stings. In this episode, we explain what the Pressure Immobilisation Technique is, how it works, when it should be used, and—just as importantly—when it should not be used. We cover: Why pressure immobilisation helps slow the movement of venom The bites and stings where PI...

Anaphylaxis can be triggered by a wide range of substances and situations, and understanding these triggers is an important step in preventing and recognising life-threatening allergic reactions. In this episode, we explore the most common causes of anaphylaxis s We also discuss the important difference between a medication side effect and a true allergic reaction. Because identifying the trigger...

Most people think of aspirin as a simple pain relief medication, but in first aid it has a very specific and important role. In this episode, we explore what aspirin is, how it works, common Australian brands, and why it is commonly associated with the management of suspected heart attacks. We discuss the recommended first aid dose, how aspirin helps reduce clot formation, and the important contra...

Turn up the volume for this special audio-focused episode as we explore some of the most common lung and respiratory sounds encountered in first aid, pre-hospital care, and emergency medicine. We work our way through the respiratory system from noisy airways to no air movement, covering: Stridor Wheeze Bronchial Breath Sounds Fine Crackles Coarse Crackles Rhonchi (Sonorous Wheeze) Pleural Friction...

It’s time for another quick-fire first aid revision episode. In this Fast Quiz, we test your knowledge from Episodes 171 to 179 covering pupil assessments, splinters, ibuprofen, the pancreas, PEARL, vaccinations for first aiders, White-tailed spiders, eye irrigation, and whiplash versus concussion. Five rapid questions designed to help reinforce important first aid concepts and keep your knowledge...

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the First Aid Show 2026. This year’s conference featured an incredible lineup of speakers covering resuscitation, trauma, mental health, anatomy, career progression, cardiac arrest survival, and much more. Missed the event? Or want to watch your favourite sessions again? The entire conference is now available as an on-demand encore presentation. Get instant...

Can someone suffer a concussion without actually hitting their head? In this episode, we explore the connection between whiplash and concussion, including how rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck can move the brain inside the skull and produce concussion-like symptoms. We also discuss how whiplash and concussion symptoms heavily overlap, why rotational forces increase injury risk, an...

Dust, dirt, smoke, and other loose particles can quickly irritate the eye. In this episode, we explain when eye irrigation is appropriate, how to safely use a saline ampoule to flush the eye, and the correct technique for removing loose foreign material from the eye’s surface. We also discuss when not to irrigate, such as with embedded objects, and the importance of prolonged flushing with running...

White-tailed spiders have developed a frightening reputation in Australia—but what does the evidence actually say? In this episode, we explore what White-tailed spiders look like, where they are commonly found, the symptoms their bites may cause, and the ongoing myths. We also cover the recommended first aid management, including why pressure immobilisation is NOT used for White-tailed spider bite...