When it comes to medical emergencies, time is of the essence. Accidents happen even to experienced hikers, so it’s best to familiarise yourself with the most common hiking injuries. For example, sprains, strains and dislocated joints are not unheard of on hiking trails. Knowing the symptoms and applicable first aid will come in handy in case of an emergency.

Australian terrain is as rugged as it is beautiful. Unfortunately, it’s also home to dangerous plants and animals. In fact, according to a 2021 survey from the National Library of Medicine, there are 3,000 cases of snake bite envenomation in Australia each year. Now’s your chance to learn first aid in case of such an event.

First aid is important for the following reasons:

• Some 230,000 Australians see a GP every year for a sprained or strained ankle.
• Australia is home to 100 species of venomous snakes, 12 of which are lethal.
• In 2019, a total of 1.3 million Australian adults participated in hiking.