As Australians head into the hot Summer months we also love to get outdoors and get active. Summer is a season of music festivals, sporting events, beach going and fun in the sun. Dehydration and heat induced illness are a risk, and can be serious. Drinking water and other hydrating fluids is an important step to remaining safe and healthy.

We’re working with Hydralyte to raise awareness of hydration - a topic our St John Volunteers and staff take seriously, given the common occurrence of presentations at St John tents and to volunteers for dehydration and heat induced illness. We are ready to help. We want Australians to practice good safety precautions, look out for each other and be ready to provide first aid when needed.


How to prevent risk:

  • Ask St John for help
  • Fuel up with food
  • Enjoy responsibly
  • Stay hydrated
  • Take care in the sun (sunscreen, hat, sunnies and shade)
  • Your mates matter


    • Quick signs of dehydration or heat induced illness:

  • Hot, sweaty and breathless
  • Hot and dry — if the patient is not sweating, this is a sign of serious illness
  • Unable to continue the activity—feeling hot, exhausted and weak
  • High body temperature
  • Dizziness and faintness
  • Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea
  • Pale skin and other signs of shock
  • Rapid weak pulse
  • Poor muscle control or weakness
  • Decreasing levels of consciousness, confusion, or seizures


    • How to act and provide first aid:

    1. Follow DRSABCD.
    2. Lie the patient down in a cool or shaded area.
    3. STRIP the patient of as much clothing as possible. If the patient does not improve quickly (within 10 minutes), call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
    4. SOAK the patient with any available water.
    5. FAN the patient continuously.
    6. Give cold water to the patient to drink if they are fully conscious and able to swallow

    For more practical First Aid tips on Heat Induced Illness see our fact sheet.

    For more information on Hydralyte visit their website.