Plan ahead and keep your holiday on track

April 9, 2025 | in News

Whether you’re camping, mountain biking or hiking, paramedics are encouraging Victorians to know their limits and stay safe while outdoors these school holidays.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) Wilderness Response paramedics have recently responded to several calls for falls and high angle rescues across the state.

While it’s great to see Victorians exploring all the state has to offer, AV Alpine Senior Team Manager Jonathan Hopkins said it was important to always be prepared and do activities within your limits.

“You never know what might happen, so it’s important to be as prepared as possible before heading off on your next adventure,” he said.

“Always carry some sort of communication device such as a phone or radio and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

“Make sure your clothing and footwear are appropriate for the conditions and bring plenty of water, food, matches, sunscreen and a torch.

“You can’t predict when an emergency will occur, so our advice is to carry a first aid kit, know snake bite management and learn how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”

You should also check the weather and be prepared for conditions to change, especially when heading to remote or unfamiliar locations.

A group of people looking at a map with a sunset in the background.

Ambulance Victoria wants Victorians to be safe when heading outdoors these school holidays.

Mr Hopkins said emergencies can happen in unfamiliar locations so it’s important to familiarise yourself with resources available to help contact Triple Zero (000).

“Download the EmergencyPlus app which has a built-in GPS function to help you provide coordinates to the Triple Zero (000) call taker,” he said.

“The app also contains the what3words software which works offline, so can be used in remote areas with poor data connection to quickly provide an exact location.

“You may also consider a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) which, when activated, sends an emergency signal via satellite to emergency services.”

Download the VicEmergency app or visit Vic Emergency to be notified of incidents and warnings in your area.

Tips to stay safe while hiking:

Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’re expected to be back.
Be sure to bring enough water and food, and anything else you need to stay safe such as matches, a torch, sunscreen and basic first aid kit.
Be cautious that, depending on conditions, there is a potential risk of hypothermia and heatstroke.
Download the EmergencyPlus app which has a built-in GPS function to help a caller provide call takers with location details. The What3Words location function works offline so it can be used in remote areas with poor data connections as well.
Download the VicEmergency app to be notified of incidents and warnings for your area. Check for any road and trail closures that may impact your plans.

Resources on CPR, alternative services and staying safe outdoors are available in multiple languages.