Emergency in the Outback: 10 Life-Saving Lessons for Travellers

Well... our outback getaway came to an abrupt end.

A medical emergency (details will remain private) in remote South Australia reminded us just how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected. This isn’t about fear — it’s about being ready. 💗

This post has been shared across several Facebook communities. The original source is unknown, but we believe these lessons are powerful, practical, and possibly life-saving. Here’s what we took away — we hope it helps others on the road. 👇

1. Get First Aid Trained & Pack a Real Kit

No matter your age or travel style — first aid skills matter. In our case, we had four trained people on hand who could calmly assess, speak with paramedics, and take the right steps.

👉 Don’t just rely on a basic kit — make sure it’s fully stocked and accessible.

2. Stay Calm — Even When It's Your Loved One

This was one of the hardest things. When it’s your partner or child in danger, staying calm feels impossible — but it can be the difference between life and death.

Panic worsens blood loss and speeds the effects of shock or toxins. Be the calm anchor your loved one needs.

3. Don’t Sleep Naked in the Bush 😳

Sounds strange, but in a crisis, you won’t have time to get dressed. If someone needs urgent care, every second counts. Sleeping in loose, comfortable clothing is a smart move.

4. Starlink Saved Us

We’re not here to debate who owns it — we’re here to say it was a life-saver. Within 5 minutes, we had SA Ambulance on the line. We're upgrading to the mobile version for connection in-transit, too.

5. Use UHF Radios — Every Setup Should Have One

We used a radio to speak with the local station, and SA Ambulance did the same. It's a game-changer for accessing remote properties quickly. Even a 5W handheld can help.

6. Learn How to Get Your GPS Coordinates

We used GPS on our phone to give exact coordinates. There’s also a system called What3Words that Aussie emergency services now use. Do your research before heading out.

7. Keep Your Phone Charged — Always

Outback = no regular service. To conserve power:

• Use airplane mode
• Or turn it off until needed

GPS still works offline — so you can still get coordinates even without signal.

8. Know Where You're Going — Fully

Have a list of:

• Nearest hospitals and towns
• Emergency UHF channels (Channel 40 is common)

☀️ Bonus Tip: Keep a Sun Shirt in the Van

Breakdowns or emergencies can mean long waits in the sun. Having a lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt on hand can make a huge difference — especially when shade is scarce.

We always keep our Not-A-Fishing-Shirts packed in the van. They're comfy, quick-drying, and offer UV protection for the whole family. Just one more way to stay safe and prepared on the road. 🎣