MEDIA RELEASE 
 

·       Warm weekend weather forecast prompts hydration and heat-safety reminder

·       St John Ambulance Australia is on the ground during ‘Mad March’, supporting thousands during Adelaide’s biggest event season

·       Hydralyte is partnering with St John as Official Rehydration Partner, with hydration insights to support prevention

As thousands prepare to attend events across Adelaide during Mad March, St John Ambulance Australia is reminding eventgoers that the most important act of the weekend is not on a main stage, but with themselves: staying hydrated.

Mad March sees several major events take place across the city throughout the month. St John volunteers and Health and Medical Services teams will be on the ground supporting events right across Mad March, providing first aid and medical care to help keep attendees safe.

With warm conditions forecast this weekend and long days expected in outdoor settings, St John is urging eventgoers to take heat and hydration seriously. Extended time in the sun, high activity levels, alcohol consumption and busy event schedules can quickly lead to dehydration and heat-related illness — particularly when people do not realise how much fluid they are losing.

New research[1] commissioned by Hydralyte has uncovered an alarming statistic. 8 in 10 (81%) of South Australians (or approximately 1.2 million adults) aren’t meeting the recommended daily fluid intake in a typical week. This means that millions of South Aussies are already at risk of dehydration before celebrations, and rising temperatures even begin.

“With multiple events happening across Mad March, many people are spending extended periods outdoors,” said St John Ambulance South Australia’s Manager, Health and Medical Services, Aiden D’Agostino.

“Dehydration can creep up on you. Early signs include thirst, headache, light-headedness and unusual fatigue. By the time you feel unwell, you are already behind. Staying on top of your hydration, including using an electrolyte solution like Hydralyte when needed, can help make a real difference,” he said.

To help people stay well and enjoy the weekend, St John Ambulance has partnered with Hydralyte as its Official Rehydration Partner. Hydralyte products will be available at St John medical centres and treatment posts at events they are present, alongside water and support from trained Health and Medical Services teams.

Hydralyte is formulated to help restore fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat and when used as directed, can assist with faster rehydration compared to water alone.

St John is encouraging people to take a simple approach:

•           Start hydrating before you arrive

•           Drink water regularly throughout the weekend

•           Consider an electrolyte solution if you are sweating heavily

•           Be sun-safe, including regular breaks in shaded areas and regular application of sunscreen

•           Check in on your mates and family members

St John is also reminding attendees of important first aid steps if someone shows signs of dehydration or heat related illness:

1. Move the person to a cool or shaded area and lay them down
2. Loosen or remove excess clothing to assist with cooling
3. Provide cool water if they are fully conscious and able to swallow
4. Use water and fanning to assist cooling
5. Seek assistance from event officials and call 000 if the person does not improve quickly or their condition worsens.

“Looking after yourself and the people around you is part of the camaraderie of these experiences. If you are feeling unwell, do not hesitate, come and see us. Our teams are here to help,” reminds D’Agostino. 

With warm temperatures forecasted and large crowds expected, St John’s message is clear: Hydration is not an afterthought. It’s what keeps the music playing, the crowds moving, and ‘Mad March’ energy strong month long. If you’re feeling unwell, don’t push through it – find a St John team on site. If in doubt, seek them out.

ENDS

Hydralyte is the Official Rehydration Partner of St John Ambulance Australia. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Media enquiries: Anna MacIntosh | M&Co Communications anna@mcocomms.com.au 0411 527756
More information: https://stjohn.org.au/ | https://hydralyte.com.au/
Images: TBC