Introduction Background to the park Operating safely and responsibly Understanding cultural and natural values
Introduction Background to the Park Operating safely and responsibly Understanding cultural and natural values
 

Dehydration and heat illnesses

Heat illness and dehydration can affect anyone visiting Central Australia at any time of the year. The effects of heat illness range from a mildly uncomfortable heat rash to a life threatening case of heat stroke.

As a tour guide, you have a responsibility to look after your own health as well as knowing:

  • the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses and dehydration
  • what the recommended treatments are
  • where to locate assistance in the case of an illness.

Tour guides in Central Australia require first aid knowledge as well as first aid kits that are fully stocked with items that can assist in any of the emergencies that can occur whilst on tour.

Visitors will also look to the tour guide as the person with local knowledge and experience who demonstrates acceptable behaviour.

By wearing appropriate clothing, headwear, footwear and sunblock, as well as drinking adequate amounts of water, and avoiding drinking to excesses after hours, tour guides demonstrate acceptable and appropriate behaviours for visitors who are often unaccustomed to Central Australian conditions.

Reading

The following reading details the effects of heat on visitors to Central Australia.
Reading: Visitor safety and heat (pdf)

The following reading from the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) provides advice on preventing heat illness and dehydration.
Reading: Preventing heat illness (pdf)

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Ensuring visitors have enough water is part of the duty of care that tour guides have to their clients – most of whom will be unfamiliar with the Central Australian conditions.
Ensuring visitors have enough water is part of the duty of care that tour guides have to their clients – most of whom will be unfamiliar with the Central Australian conditions..