First Aid Show Australia Daily Minute

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the First Aid Show 2026.

This year’s conference featured an incredible lineup of speakers covering resuscitation, trauma, mental health, anatomy, career progression, cardiac arrest survival, and much more.

Missed the event? Or want to watch your favourite sessions again?

The entire conference is now available as an on-demand encore presentation.

Get instant access and watch at your own ...

Can someone suffer a concussion without actually hitting their head? In this episode, we explore the connection between whiplash and concussion, including how rapid back-and-forth movement of the head and neck can move the brain inside the skull and produce concussion-like symptoms.

We also discuss how whiplash and concussion symptoms heavily overlap, why rotational forces increase injury risk, and why proper medical assessment is ...

Dust, dirt, smoke, and other loose particles can quickly irritate the eye. In this episode, we explain when eye irrigation is appropriate, how to safely use a saline ampoule to flush the eye, and the correct technique for removing loose foreign material from the eye’s surface.

We also discuss when not to irrigate, such as with embedded objects, and the importance of prolonged flushing with running water following chemical or...

White-tailed spiders have developed a frightening reputation in Australia—but what does the evidence actually say? In this episode, we explore what White-tailed spiders look like, where they are commonly found, the symptoms their bites may cause, and the ongoing myths. We also cover the recommended first aid management, including why pressure immobilisation is NOT used for White-tailed spider bites.

Because in first aid, fa...

First aiders don’t just protect patients—they also need to protect themselves. In this episode, we explore the key vaccinations recommended for first aiders and healthcare workers.

We also discuss why vaccination matters when working around blood, body fluids, and infectious illness, and how immunisation works alongside PPE, gloves, and infection control practices.

Because a protected first aider is a safer first aider...

The eyes can provide important clues during a medical emergency. In this episode, we explain the PEARL assessment and why it is used in first aid and emergency care to help assess neurological function.

Learn how to perform a simple pupil assessment, what direct and consensual light reflexes are, and what abnormal pupil findings may indicate.

Because sometimes the eyes can reveal what’s happening inside the brain before the p...

Hidden deep behind the stomach is one of the body’s most important organs—the pancreas. In this episode, we explain what the pancreas is, where it is located, its approximate size, and the critical roles it plays in digestion and blood sugar regulation.

We also explore why the pancreas matters in first aid, including its links to diabetes, abdominal pain, metabolic emergencies, and trauma.

Because when the pancreas stru...

Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used relief medications in Australia—but it’s not suitable for everyone.

In this episode, we explain what ibuprofen is, common Australian brand names like Nurofen and Rafen, the different forms it comes in, and the conditions it is commonly used to treat.

We also cover important contraindications and precautions, standard adult and paediatric dosing, and why understanding medication...

A splinter might seem small—but removing it incorrectly can make things worse. In this episode, we explain what splinters are, the common materials they can be made from, and when a superficial foreign object may be safely removed within a first aider’s scope of practice.

Because even small injuries deserve proper care.

Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more https://firstaidshow.com.au/dailyminute

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The eyes can reveal a lot during a medical emergency. In this episode, we explain what the pupils are, how they control light entering the eye, and how the nervous system causes them to react automatically.

We also explore what changes in the pupils—such as fixed, dilated, constricted, or unequal pupils—may indicate in a first aid context, Because sometimes the smallest part of the body can provide some of the bigges...

It’s quiz time again. In this fast-paced refresher episode, we test your knowledge from Episodes 161 to 169 covering negligence, allergic reactions, paracetamol, kidneys, AMPLE history taking, injected poisoning, funnel web spiders, roller bandages, and wasp stings.

Five quick questions designed to help reinforce key first aid concepts and keep your knowledge sharp.

Because the best time to test your first aid knowledge&helli...

Not all stings are the same. In this episode, we explore why wasp stings—especially from the European wasp—are different from bee stings, including why wasps can sting multiple times and why disturbing a nest can become dangerous very quickly.

Learn how to recognise European wasps, where they commonly build nests, what reactions their stings can cause, and the important first aid steps to take after a sting.

Because som...

Roller bandages are one of the most common items found in a first aid kit—but many people don’t actually know the difference between them. In this episode, we break down the common types of roller bandages what each one is used for, and the most practical sizes for different injuries.

We also introduce snake bite pressure bandages and explain why they are different from standard elastic bandages.

Because understanding ...

A “big black spider” bite in parts of Australia should never be ignored.

In this episode, we explore Funnel Web spider bites, including where these dangerous spiders are commonly found, how quickly symptoms can develop, and the life-saving first aid steps that must be taken immediately.

Because with Funnel Web bites, rapid action can save a life.

Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more

https://firstaid...

Not all poisonings are swallowed. In this episode, we explore injected poisoning—when toxic substances enter the body directly through injection both  intentional and accidental.

Remind me, whats the phone number for the poisons information centre in Australia? Because when poison enters directly into the body, early action matters fast.

Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more https://firstaidshow.com....

Good first aid isn’t just about what you can see—it’s also about the questions you ask. In this episode, we break down the AMPLE mnemonic, a structured patient history tool used in first aid, ambulance, and emergency care settings.

Learn how asking the right quetsions to the emergency can provide critical clues about a patient’s condition.

Because sometimes the right question can be just as important as the ...

Your kidneys work around the clock—but most people rarely think about them until something goes wrong. In this episode, we explain what the kidneys are, where they are located, and the critical role they play in filtering blood, balancing fluids, and removing waste from the body.

We also explore why kidney injuries matter in first aid and trauma situations, including how internal bleeding and kidney damage can occur after blu...

The countdown is officially on. The 2026 First Aid Show and Conference is just one week away—coming to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and streaming online live on Monday 18th May 2026.

Hosted by Australian comedy and TV legend Peter Helliar, with live entertainment from Matt Bradshaw and The First Aid Show Band, this year’s event brings together some of Australia’s leading experts in emergency c...

Paracetamol is one of the most common pain relief medications—but are you using it correctly? In this episode, we explain what paracetamol is, how it works, when it is used, common Australian brands, and its role in first aid for temporary pain relief and fever.

We also cover how long it takes to work, how long it lasts, common forms it comes in, standard adult and children’s dosing, and the importance of staying within...