Shaking free of life’s losses, limitations and fears, he becomes the first person to cross all ten Australian deserts, solo and unsupported, on a motorbike.
With his sights set on a Guinness World Record and a SURVIVAL Handy First Aid KIT along for the ride, Benji takes us into the wild world of a desert adventurer in this exciting guest post.
The sun beat down as I inspected my torn rear tyre. Looking around for a solution, I thought about packing the rear with grass and foliage - but there wasn’t a blade of grass or greenery anywhere.
I was deep in the heart of the Tanami Desert, completely alone, and with only a few litres of water.
Normally, this sort of situation would have the best of us feeling uneasy, but after all I had been through, I couldn’t help but laugh, and so I decided to keep riding my WR250R into a mine site, about 40 kilometres from my current position.
My back end wagged up the road like the tail of a dog. My feet were blistered, eyes bloodshot, and I hadn’t shaved or changed my dusted clothes in over a month.
I looked like I had ridden straight out of a Mad Max movie.
The security girl on the gate had a particular type of look on her face; one I had become pretty accustomed to seeing during the past month. I met her gaze with a big, cheesy grin, and she looked confused - my face just didn’t match the sight she was presented with.
“What the hell are you doing out here, mate? Where the hell have you been?”
“I just came out of the desert.”
“Jesus, you’re bloody game. Why are you so happy?”
“I just set a new Guinness World Record.”
Back in January of 2019, I had just come back from a trip that had seen me ride into some of the wildest parts of the country.
Within hours of returning to Melbourne, I was back at work and being bombarded with questions as if nothing had ever happened. I wasn’t ready to go back to real life, and I knew that, after all that had happened on my last adventure, I had so much more to give the world.
My mind is an active one, so before too long, I’d hatched a plan that would see me push myself into some of the largest deserts in the world. My friends and family expressed their concern for my wellbeing, but I knew I could do it.
I knew - after all I had failed and fallen short of in life - that I could get this job done. If nothing else, I had to do it for myself.
I had always wanted to push the limits of my abilities; however, at the age of 36, for whatever reason, I hadn’t reached those heights. But I knew in my heart of hearts that I could do something special.
Crossing the ten deserts of Australia would see me traverse over 6,000 kilometres of sand dunes, track and corrugations, not to mention the 2,000 kilometres it would take to get me there.
And to cover that ground, I only had a 2008 Yamaha WR250R dirt bike, with a homemade set of panniers holding my postie bags on.
…
The first real challenge of the trip came in the Simpson Desert.
I woke early and sat atop the second of 1,100 sand dunes, watching the sun rise up over ‘Big Red’. It was an impressive sight, but as I looked out across the endless dunes in front of me, I knew I would need to dig deep.
My bike was loaded for 40 days in the desert, with a lot of pushing up the dunes, as well as unloading and reloading the bike. Knowing it was going to be a challenging day on the bike, I took my SURVIVAL Handy First Aid KIT off my pack and strapped it to my waist.
The First Aid KIT itself was well-stocked with bandages, painkillers and everything in between, and I’d memorised each compartment and unpacked the bandages so I could access them quickly should I need to.
The nights were cold in the Simpson, and I woke with ice on my tent each morning. It took me three full days to cross, and by the morning of the third day, I was just spent. At times, the sheer physicality of it had nearly broken me.
Riding through to Oodnadatta the next day, I spoilt myself and ate three T-bone steaks for dinner, before heading on to Coober Pedy and the next leg of this crazy expedition.
From Coober Pedy, the next challenge was the Great Victorian Desert, where there was no fuel or water resupply for nearly 800 kilometres west of my position.
On the second day, the sand kept getting deeper, the track tighter, and I couldn’t shake this uneasy feeling I had.
During the afternoon, I rode through a long stretch of badly burnt land. I felt so uneasy – it was as if, although the fire had gone through years ago, nothing had ever returned to life.
I couldn’t help but feel like the charred bodies of the dead trees were staring right through me, offended at my presence, with their clawed branches pointing at me to move on.
…
It wasn’t long before the problems started to pop up.
On the third day across, sometime around mid-morning, I crested a sand dune and bounced my bike like a pinball off a tree. Somehow, I managed to keep the bike upright and power out of the sand. But when I pulled up, I had burst one of my water bottles - 1.5 litres of water, which equates to about six hours of life in the desert.
Not long afterwards, I lost the nipple on my bladder, and another 12 hours of life went out of my backpack.
Shit.
I did a quick sit rep.
I was nearly 500 kilometres from the nearest town. I had only seen two cars in nearly three days, and at the current rate, I had nearly two days of travel to get to my next resupply, with less than a day of good water left.
While the situation wasn’t horrible, I knew I had to make up some ground or spend a very thirsty day on the bike. I bottled my urine from then on.
A sandstorm soon came blowing in, and gusts of wind pushed me across the track and blew the wheel ruts clean.
As I stopped to fix yet another water leak, I watched my own tracks get blown over. Suddenly, I felt very alone, vulnerable and afraid.
…
On the morning of 23 July 2019 - my 14th day in the deserts - I wrote the following sit rep:
Feeling sore.
I chose this life, I reminded myself. I wanted this life, this challenge. My friends and family told me I was crazy.
‘Who do you think you are?’, they asked. ‘It’s pure insanity. No one has ever done it!’
Yet I spent the money, I persevered with it. Love it or hate, it was up to me.
I can go home any time. Win or lose, live or die, it’s all on me, and it all depends on how I perceive it.
Get up, Brundin, and own this life!
For me, that morning was a real moment out there. With gritted teeth, I pushed on, and a few days later, I pulled into the isolated town of Wiluna and then onto Canning Stock Route [CSR].
I spent a day in Wiluna resting up and servicing my bike. Other travellers told me I was crazy, but after all I had come across, I knew I could do it. I knew that I would do it.
I had just on 2,000 kilometres left of the wildest, most remote desert track in the country to traverse, and that just didn’t scare me at all. I went into the CSR with excitement and open mindedness, and in my heart, a feeling much different to the other legs of the journey.
By the time I got 850 kilometres into the track, I started to realise that what I was doing was a bit special.
I set camp one night and made a camera diary where I spoke about not being able to go back to my old life.
After all that I had overcome and achieved out here, I felt like this ride was the journey that was going to project me into my new life - whatever that may be.
…
The riding itself didn’t get any easier. The track could change so dramatically - from deep sand to sharp rocky outcrops - that there was never a time I felt I could relax.
There were some real ‘oh, shit’ moments, and some I just don’t know how I survived.
I can remember bouncing off yet another tree and falling into the sand face-first; the soft First Aid KIT that I strapped to my waist saving my hip from crashing into the rock.
That last day on the Canning Stock Route, I was racing through the bush with all the confidence of a man on a mission.
I was tearing across the dunes all day; it was reckless, dangerous, and I nearly had a head on with a Jeep at one point.
Every now and then, I would reach down and touch my hip, comforted by the knowledge my little SURVIVAL First Aid KIT was still there and in one piece. Out in the wild places, it was at times the only reassurance I had that I could get through.
I even used it as a pillow at night as I slept on the cold-baked earth.
…
The next day, I finally made it up onto the rim of the Wolf Creek Crater. I had envisioned myself standing there a thousand times. I had even drawn a picture of it and put it above my sink at home.
I had made it. I had successfully crossed every desert in Australia. And it was just the Tanami Road to get past to finish it off.
It had been the journey of a lifetime. My saddlebags were held together with over 100 cable ties, the bristles of my toothbrush were stained red from the fine dust, and I had lost close to 10 kilograms during my time in the sand.
It had been nothing short of an odyssey and I owed it to myself to make sure something came of it.
By facing my fears out there in the desert, I had learnt so much about myself and what I am capable of.
I get a bit nervous when I think about what I could achieve in the world. But that’s the exciting part. You just never know what is coming at you again. And sometimes you just have to smile, grip the bars and go with it.
Life is a daring adventure, after all.
To read more about Benji’s wild, World Record-beating adventure, grab his new book, ‘Hunting Fear’, or visit his website: www.daring2venture.com.au
]]>
The ability to continue to live at home as we grow older – sometimes referred to as ‘aging in place’ – is an emotional topic for many.
While families want to see their aging parents’ wishes fulfilled by helping them to continue to live in their own home, many are understandably concerned about the implications it could have on both their physical and mental health.
Falls, burns, and poisonings are among the most common accidents involving older people, and with a growing number of them now living independently, it’s vital that we all work together to make sure they’re staying safe at home.
If you care for an older adult who is living on their own, we’ve compiled our top tips and practical changes you can make today to improve their safety at home.
]]>The ability to continue to live at home as we grow older – sometimes referred to as ‘aging in place’ – is an emotional topic for many.
While families want to see their aging parents’ wishes fulfilled by helping them to continue to live in their own home, many are understandably concerned about the implications it could have on both their physical and mental health.
Falls, burns, and poisonings are among the most common accidents involving older people, and with a growing number of them now living independently, it’s vital that we all work together to make sure they’re staying safe at home.
If you care for an older adult who is living on their own, we’ve compiled our top tips and practical changes you can make today to improve their safety at home.
In times of acute stress or fear, it can be easy to forget where vital equipment or information is stored, and this is especially true for older people.
Place a list of emergency numbers by each phone in the house, and ensure the numbers are printed or written in a large, legible font.
Next, grab a new SURVIVAL Home First Aid KIT, or check that the home’s existing one is fully stocked and that the products are in date.
If anything is missing, use SURVIVAL’s Restock option to get it ready for action. Make sure that the First Aid KIT is signposted, stored within reach, and easy to access under pressure.
You might also take a survey of the safety devices on offer in today’s market. A few simple tools might give you all some much-needed peace of mind, whether it’s a new personal alarm, sturdy canes and walker.
On your next home visit, take a walk around the house and try to imagine that you were unsteady on your feet.
Your eagle eyes may spot some loose carpet, easily moved mats and rugs, or shoes stored on the floor… all trip hazards just waiting to cause a fall. Pick them up, move or secure them right away.
Now, check each room of the house with a fine-tooth comb and try to think what else might give you the slip.
Would a better, non-slip floor mat make the shower safer? Is the toilet too low for comfort? Are the grab bars and towel racks properly secured, so that they could hold a full body’s weight if required?
Being able to safely use the shower and bathroom is fundamental to an older person’s self-esteem, but the area can also be a real safety worry - so make any changes here a priority.
Sadly, burns and scalds are all too common amongst our older population.
According to the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand, older people are far more likely to experience a burn in their house (81 per cent) compared to their younger counterparts.
The majority of these incidents are usually scald injuries, and of course, our vulnerable older people spend twice as long recovering in hospital from burns than other age groups.
Thankfully, there is a simple measure you can put in place to help protect them right now.
All you’ll need to do is make an appointment with a plumber, who can install hot water system tempering valves that mix cold and hot water together, ensuring a consistent flow of water at no greater than 50°C.
Getting older usually means a reduction in the quality of our eyesight, and the lighting in a home is a really important contributor to the safety and wellbeing of its occupants.
Consistent, ambient lighting can help older people to move safely around the house, but you should also ensure an extra-bright ‘task light’ is available for important activities such as reading instructions on medicine containers.
Using ‘cooler’ lighting – including daylight, halogen bulbs and cooler fluorescent bulbs – throughout the house can also help add to the ability of older eyes to distinguish colours.
While you’re at it, you might want to add a nightlight to the bedroom and hallway to assist with any midnight runs to the bathroom.
Change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly – it’s usually easiest to remember to do as Daylight Savings begins and ends.
Replace any real candles with the cheap-and-cheerful battery-operated kind, so that your loved one can have all of the ambience and none of the risk.
Then, during the winter months, consider adding some cheery signage to the bedroom or loungeroom to remind them to turn off any heaters or electric blankets they may have been using before bed.
Whenever the opportunity presents itself, remind your loved one to embrace a safe pace during the day. There’s no need to hurry to answer ringing phones or knocks at the door.
You should also reassure them that, if you’re on the other end, you’ll happily wait for as long as needed for them to reach the door, or that you’ll can easily call back if they miss the phone.
Likewise, be consistent in reinforcing the ‘stranger danger’ message. Our beloved older community members are generally pretty trusting and always up for a chat, but we know that not everyone has the best intentions.
To that end, you might like to install a peephole in their front door, and consider adding a gentle, written reminder alongside it: ‘Do you know this person? If not – please don’t open the door.’
If they complain of feeling unkind, you could even leave your loved one with slips of paper featuring your phone number to share with callers, so that you can vet their intentions first.
Another modern way we need to keep older people safe is by protecting them from scammers.
Keep a watch on the Australian Government’s SCAMWATCH website and chat to them about any new reports and untrustworthy people who may come calling.
As we age, we tend to be prescribed more medication, and keeping track of all these tablets can be tricky.
That’s why it’s important to make sure all medications are labelled and stored in their original containers.
A medicine list is also handy to have. It should include information about what each medication is for, what the dosage is, and when and how often to take it.
This list can help older people to take their medications correctly and provide useful information for medical professionals or caregivers in the event of an emergency.
If you live near an older person who seems to be on their own, as soon as you’re able, pay them a visit and check on their safety setup.
It won’t take more than an hour, and who knows… you might just save a life.
Team Survival
]]>Faced with hundreds of trails to choose from and hiking boots you’d have to re-mortgage your house to afford, we knew it was time to turn to an expert.
Whether he’s trekking in Nepal or bashing through the Blue Mountains bush, there’s not much about bushwalking that doesn’t capture Bruce Henderson’s imagination.
Armed with a Survival First Aid KIT, a love of nature and a hearty smile, we sat down with Bruce to get his hot tips for budding hikers.
]]>Faced with hundreds of trails to choose from and hiking boots you’d have to re-mortgage your house to afford, we knew it was time to turn to an expert.
Whether he’s trekking in Nepal or bashing through the Blue Mountains bush, there’s not much about bushwalking that doesn’t capture Bruce Henderson’s imagination.
Armed with a Survival First Aid KIT, a love of nature and a hearty smile, we sat down with Bruce to get his hot tips for budding hikers.
SURVIVAL: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Bruce. First up - how long have you been an avid bushwalker for?
BH: As a child and a teenager, I spent a lot of time in the bush; however, due to study, marriage, kids (and kids sport!), my time in the bush diminished until about 10 years ago.
SURVIVAL: So, what was the ‘a-ha!’ moment that made you take up hiking again?
BH: Perhaps it’s a strange answer, but first, it was separating from my wife, and then a friend asking me to join them on a camping trip.
I had a fantastic time with a great group of people, and this re-ignited my passion for the outdoors. In my experience, the bush is a great place to forget the world and one’s troubles.
There is also a camaraderie – a bond – that you find when you venture into the bush with a group. People from different backgrounds all appear similar and friendly, and strangers say ‘hi’ and are always prepared to assist you if you have a problem. The bush is the great leveller.
SURVIVAL: When you’re new to a hobby, it can be hard to know where to begin. Can you share some of your favourite local tracks to walk in Australia, as well as those further afield?
BH: That's a difficult question, as I live in the [NSW] Blue Mountains, and we are blessed with many beautiful walks.
For beginners visiting the [Blue] Mountains, I love the Charles Darwin Walk. It’s a moderate, two-hour - or six kilometre - walk that’s easily accessible from Wentworth Falls train station and has spectacular views of the Falls and the Jamison Valley.
Another popular local walk is Grand Canyon, which is a recently renovated walk at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains.
My favourite Sydney City walk is the popular Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Walk – a three-hour walk along the Harbour, it passes several historic gun emplacements that date from the early settlement.
Further afield, I have been fortunate enough to trek in Nepal. It’s another favourite, and a destination I’d highly recommend.
SURVIVAL: We’ve picked our destination. As hiking first-timers, what vital equipment do we need for our walks?
BH: Flippant me would say, ‘a smile and the desire to immerse oneself in nature!’
But on a serious note, I keep a day pack with a couple of key pieces of kit, including:
SURVIVAL: What other gear do we need to spend up big on, and where can we afford to skimp?
BH: For top dollar, I’d say footwear. Buy quality. Blisters and uncomfortable footwear will make your walking experience hell!
If you’re inexperienced in selecting hiking footwear, I highly recommend going to a specialist outdoor shop where they know how to fit footwear properly. You may pay a bit more; however, proper fitting boots are an investment in your comfort and safety – hence, they’re well worth a few extra dollars.
In the bush, I also wear activewear tops. These wick moisture away from you and are cooler and more comfortable than cotton t-shirts. I buy these quite cheaply from stores like Aldi, rather than expensive, branded ones from outdoor shops.
SURVIVAL: Let’s talk safety. Have you ever encountered snakes along the tracks, and if so, how did you deal with them?
BH: Yes, I have encountered snakes, but never a particularly aggressive one. In my experience, snakes tend to slither off before you get too close to them.
Firstly, I wear appropriate footwear and clothing - my personal preference is high-cut boots and 'zip-off' long trekking pants. Unlike jeans, they are light, not too hot, dry more quickly if wet, and tend to have more accessible pockets. Being loose in the legs, if a snake strikes, there’s also the potential of the bite hitting the fabric rather than me.
As general advice, when you’re walking in the bush, you should always look ahead and watch where you’re stepping. Where possible, step on logs rather than stepping over them; snakes can be under or next to the log but take care the log is not wet and slippery.
Before you begin, you also need to learn how to treat a snake bite, and always carry an appropriate First Aid KIT with a snake bite bandage. Practice the bandaging technique before you set off.
SURVIVAL: Now we’ve got the hiking destination sorted, as well as our safety equipment and outfit. What's the best time of year to head?
BH: Spring and autumn; however, if you choose appropriate tracks, one can hike during most of the year.
In summer, I choose heavily shaded tracks, and won’t venture out if the fire risks are too high.
Just prior to commencing the walk, I always check the Fires Near Me app, which gives details of any fires in your vicinity.
SURVIVAL: Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom, Bruce – we’re ready and raring to go. As we finish lacing our boots, do you have any other tips or tricks you’d care to share?
BH: Particularly in cooler weather, make sure you start the walk feeling a little cool. Many people walk with too many layers on, which causes them to sweat before they think about taking layers off, and then they get a chill.
I also carry a ‘sit mat’ with me - it’s a piece of foam that’s about 300 mm x 200 mm, and it serves many purposes.
It keeps your bum dry if the ground is a little wet when you’re stopping for a break, and it keeps my pants a little cleaner – well, I am a mere male who does his own washing!
It’s also more comfortable than sitting on the ground and provides me with some much-appreciated protection from biting things.
Happy hiking!
Team Survival
]]>Not just for Christmas, a meaningful corporate gift – like a Survival First Aid KIT featuring your own branding and logo – can help you to ensure you continue your successful relationships with your clients and community, and let them know what your business truly stands for.
Here, we break down the top 4 reasons you should create a custom Survival First Aid KIT as your corporate gift in 2020, and show you just how easy it is to turn your safety vision into a reality.
]]>Not just for Christmas, a meaningful corporate gift – like a Survival First Aid KIT featuring your own branding and logo – can help you to ensure you continue your successful relationships with your clients and community, and let them know what your business truly stands for.
Here, we break down the top 4 reasons you should create a custom Survival First Aid KIT as your corporate gift in 2020, and show you just how easy it is to turn your safety vision into a reality.
Giving gifts to long-standing customers or respected employees is the perfect way to thank them for their loyalty.
They’ll easily see that they’re valued by your business, and in the case of a customised First Aid KIT from Survival, that you care about their health and wellbeing.
A customised First Aid KIT is the ideal way to both show your thanks for their many years of service or custom, and will help to ensure they remain loyal to your business in the years to come.
In 2019, a staggering 166 Aussies were killed at work. Like you, Team Survival thinks this is simply unacceptable, and we want to ensure that all colleagues and co-workers have the right supplies on hand to deal with any emergency.
Across the country, work-related injury and disease costs the Australian economy $61.8 billion, and according to Safe Work Australia, the most common injuries are body stresses, slips, trips and falls, and being hit by moving objects.
This year, it’s time to take stock of safety in your workplace and check that your site is prepared for any emergency situation.
One easy way to do this is to create your own Survival First Aid KIT that’s fully branded with your businesses’ information, and have it disseminated amongst all offices, sites and branches.
Survival’s Workplace First Aid KIT contains all the components you need to be compliant with Safe Work Australia’s Workplace Health and Safety Code of Practice, taking all of the guess-work out of adhering to your WHS requirements.
If you choose to give them out as a corporate gift to your staff, even better: it’ll ensure the wider community is exposed to your brand and recognises your commitment to your employees, which will make you an employer of choice in the future.
Just about any business could purchase a standard corporate gift of an unbranded keychain, pen or water bottle. A customised First Aid KIT is different in that it speaks to the wider philosophies of the company.
Survival has already worked with a huge number of big-name brands and national organisations to design personalised First Aid KITs, including Scouts Australia, State Emergency Services, Surf Life Saving, Rural Fire Service, Housing Industry Association, Audi, Volkswagen, Reader’s Digest, Protech, Tynan Motors and many more.
If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd in 2020, you need look no further than a personalised, fully-branded First Aid KIT from Survival.
Whether you’re at home, in the car, at work or travelling the world, the importance of a quality, fully stocked first aid KIT really can’t be overstated.
As the most responsive first aid KITS in Australia, Survival’s First Aid KITS tick off every item on your first aid checklist.
Offering fully compliant Workplace First Aid KITS, as well as First Aid KITS for the home, car, snake bites, travel and everything between – we’ve always got your safety in mind.
Each KIT is easy to use, with colour-coded, quick-to-access equipment that could ultimately be the difference between life and death.
This year, don’t wait until it’s too late. Grab your own set of customised First Aid KITS and show your teammates, colleagues, staff and the wider community that safety is a non-negotiable for your business.
We’re the industry leaders in First Aid KIT customisation
Associate your business name with the quality of Survival First Aid KITS: trusted, Australian-owned, family-run industry leaders in first aid and emergency response.
Team Survival
]]>Ringed by coral reefs, and home to manta rays and sharks, Yap is well known for its rich culture, spectacular dive sites, thatched huts and ancient stone money.
Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?
But the people on the outer islands of Yap are on the front lines of climate change.
]]>Ringed by coral reefs, and home to manta rays and sharks, Yap is well known for its rich culture, spectacular dive sites, thatched huts and ancient stone money.
Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?
But the people on the outer islands of Yap are on the front lines of climate change.
A community at risk
Their homes are prone to severe natural disaster, where trade winds can dramatically turn into ravaging typhoons, 6-month long dry seasons threaten the island with drought, and monsoon lasts for months bringing with it plague-like diseases such as Leptospirosis and Dengue Fever that can wipe out an entire community.
As the sea levels rise, these people stand to lose everything.
In many cases, they are being forced to leave behind their traditional lifestyles and move to the main island of Yap for safety and refuge.
They are becoming displaced. And it’s taking its toll on them - physically, mentally and emotionally.
First aid critical
For the Yapese, first aid is critical. Education and access to sanitary equipment helps prepare these communities for the challenges of this climate crisis.
Micronesia Red Cross Society (MRCS) is working with the Government of Yap to provide quick disaster relief and support in first aid emergencies such as dehydration when people can’t access safe drinking water.
They are preparing locals and training them in basic lifesaving skills with free first aid training for all communities.
And, they have trained and upgraded first aid certifications for more than 100 locals on the island, targeting key departments such as Department of Health Services, medical clinics, public safety, and schools.
Their work is building educated and resilient communities throughout the 100-mile region of Yap.
The Australian Volunteers Program
But when our mate on the ground Pat Sim, Disaster Management Mentor with the Australian Volunteers Program, told us many locals didn’t have access to sanitary first aid supplies, we needed to help.
He connected us with MRCS Yap Chapter Coordinator, Bobby Bel Gorongfich, and within two weeks Survival Emergency Solutions had by-passed the expensive USA mail route and couriered first aid kits and a box of refill supplies directly to the area.
First aid in action
The first aid kits are being used by the Red Cross at public sporting and community events.
“The Survival First Aid KITS are high quality and easy to use,” said Bobby.
“Our certified first aid volunteers and those in training are now using sanitary supplies instead of whatever they could find in an emergency.
“And they’ve sparked widespread interest in first aid across the region,” he said.
Bobby said the kits will help the Red Cross train people from each of the ten municipalities on the main island of Yap, and neighbouring islands within Yap State.
“It’s a step forward in the face of adversity. But it’s just the beginning.”
The effects of climate change are still emerging.
But it’s likely these islands will continue being hit by wild storms, rising oceans and insect-borne disease.
The MRCS Yap Chapter only have enough mosquito nets for 10% of the population in the event of a Leptospirosis and Dengue Fever outbreak.
To effectively slow down widespread disease they will need access to supplements and medicine.
As their first aid supplies run dry, they’ll need to restock.
How can you help?
We can’t all be volunteers in disaster-stricken areas. But we can all help.
You can donate to Micronesia Red Cross Society. Call them on +691 320 7077.
Or follow them on Facebook.
As the climate crisis unfolds, it will be the ongoing support of good people and aid organisations who help the people of Yap survive.
Organisations like Survival will do what they can to support the extraordinary work being done on the ground by the Red Cross and Australian volunteers.
The question is: what will you do?
]]>That was especially the case earlier this year, when we got to hang out with Coyote Peterson, Mark Vins and Mario Aldecoa from Brave Wilderness at the Australian Reptile Park, as part of their tour Down Under.
Here we share the story of The Brave Wilderness + SURVIVAL -- adventuring safely beyond the realms of possibility.
Into the Brave Wilderness
With close to 15 million subscribers and more than 2.5 billion views to his YouTube channel, The Brave Wilderness, Coyote Peterson has carved an infamous reputation from exploring the great unknown and encountering bites, stings and other misadventures from some of our planet’s scariest creatures.
During the course of his adventures, Coyote and the gang came across Survival’s Snake Bite KIT containing our legendary SMART Bandage, which he needed to use while filming an episode mid-last year.
A Brave Recommendation
Coyote was so impressed with the Survival first aid products, he used them to demonstrate some classic snake first aid as part of his program and publicly thanked Survival for providing such awesome products.
Coyote also had this to say about Survival’s first aid products:
“Survival First Aid Kits not only look amazing, but are also super practical, and we use them on all of our adventures.” – Coyote Peterson, Brave Wilderness, 2019
Australian Adventures
Survival has continued to keep in touch with Coyote and the gang and readily supplies them with first aid and safety equipment for their (mis)-adventures in The Brave Wilderness.
When we learnt the boys were headed Down Under in early 2019 to promote their new series on Animal Planet, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to meet up with them in person.
Reptile Park Reunions
We arranged to meet up at the Australian Reptile Park – an obvious destination for those looking for dangerous encounters and animal species of all kinds.
We spent time talking ‘safety in the wildest situations’ and filled the boys in on Survival’s first aid app, iFirstAid, designed to keep every individual safe no matter where you are in the world.
We also discussed some serious innovations for Survival first aid products, got the lowdown on the Brave gang’s next adventures and couldn’t resist on getting some photos with the guys.
With all that important stuff out of the way, it was time to get a little wild.
What happens next?
Well, friends, this is only the beginning of the story for SURVIVAL and our Brave Wilderness comrades. We look forward to many more adventures together and will be sure to fill you in.
So, until next time:
#bebravestaywild
Team Survival
]]>Does he have more than one surfboard to carve his morning surf no matter what the waves are doing?
Plus a sick snowboard. The ultimate spear fishing kit. A shed full of power tools. An epic sound system. And every gadget under the sun for his car.
Your old man might have all the gear. But we’re here to ask: does your dad have the right gear to support him safely on all of his incredible adventures?
]]>Does he have more than one surfboard to carve his morning surf no matter what the waves are doing?
Plus a sick snowboard. The ultimate spear fishing kit. A shed full of power tools. An epic sound system. And every gadget under the sun for his car.
Your old man might have all the gear. But we’re here to ask: does your dad have the right gear to support him safely on all of his incredible adventures?
We know the type. He’s always up for going into the wild with the boys. And if there’s a solid set coming in, he’s down like Flynn. The hairier the mission, the better.
But fatherhood changes things. Adventuring when you have a family is a different kettle of fish. Keeping yourself and your family safe while riding the highs of those epic escapes has to be number one priority.
Being prepared and equipped as a dad takes the fear factor out of adventuring with your family.
Simply having a First Aid Kit close by is not only peace of mind, it means the dad in your life can keep exploring new horizons safely. So no matter what he’s faced with, he’ll be sorted.
With Father’s Day just around the corner on 1 September, you can help him get his hands on the right gear. Look no further sons and daughters, here’s the safest Father’s Day present gift guide you’ll find.
If your dad spends more time in or on the water, than out of it, the Survival Boat First Aid Bundle will keep him safe - whether he’s surfing, paddle boarding, fishing or boating.
Combining our comprehensive Workplace First Aid KIT and durable Waterproof Box, this is the ideal first aid solution to help him respond to minor and major emergencies the next time the waves are pumping or the fish are biting.
Give your outdoorsman the ultimate wilderness survival kit with Survival’s Camping First Aid Bundle. Light enough to carry on his back as he conquers new frontiers, the bundle combines our Travel First Aid KIT, and the small and super-light Compact First Aid KIT, to keep him safe as he’s hiking mountain peaks and sleeping under the stars on his next camping adventure.
The Survival Snake Bite Kit is also a great one should he come face-to-face with a venomous snake or a Funnel-web on his treks.
If the dad in your life is always trying something new, Survival’s Handy First Aid Kit will ensure he’s prepared whenever there’s fresh pow on the slopes, he’s exploring backcountry, being a weekend warrior, playing soccer or taking the tribe for a walk.
Even if your dad’s a stay-at-home kinda guy, it’s always a good idea to have a First Aid Kit on-hand.
Survival’s smaller, compact kits are great for the car, while our larger, extensive kits can be stored at home. Either way, you’ll both feel safer knowing he’s fully stocked with survival essentials like bandages, swabs and saline for cuts, bites and other common accidents he might experience.
So, give your dad-venturer the right gear this Father’s Day, with first aid essentials to keep him safe on whatever he gets up to next. Get the right gear at survival.net.au and get 11% off from now until September 1st with the discount code: DAD
Happy Father’s Day!
Team Survival
Survival Emergency Solutions prides itself on superior quality and continual innovation to provide the most responsive first aid solutions for every home, workplace and vehicle in Australia and around the globe.
]]>If you’re a business, organisation, government or industry body looking to individually brand your first aid resources with your own company or customised details, we show you how easy it is to personalise your first aid products and explain how this can help create a safer working environment for all.
]]>If you’re a business, organisation, government or industry body looking to individually brand your first aid resources with your own company or customised details, we show you how easy it is to personalise your first aid products and explain how this can help create a safer working environment for all.
First up, you want to ensure you are sourcing your first aid tools from a leading and trusted first aid provider.
Survival Emergency Solutions has been keeping people safe for more than 30 years and is a leading provider of quality first aid equipment across Australia and around the globe. Survival offers numerous options to cover you and your business for all of your workplace health and safety first aid requirements.
Survival’s Workplace First Aid KIT offers the most responsive first aid solution for every workplace in Australia and contains all the components you need to be workplace compliant. They also offer Survival’s Safety Centre KIT, comprising world-class PPE, as well as Workplace Safety PLUS BUNDLES and Small Business First Aid BUNDLES so you can find a safety solution to best suit your individual needs.
Once you’ve decided which workplace first aid option is going to best suit your business needs, you can achieve first aid KIT personalisation in four easy steps:
It’s that simple. Survival can also provide first aid KITS in leather or a variety of colour options to match your corporate branding.
First aid personalisation is more than just customised first aid KITS. It involves empowering and educating your employees to engage in safer work practices, take ownership of WHS issues and encourage hazard reporting. It involves up-to-date and relevant first aid training, specific to your individual working environment.
But personalising your first aid resources is a great place to start. It shows workplace health and safety is a top priority in your business and encourages employees to take ownership over their own personal safety, as well as the safety of their colleagues and co-workers.
In addition to the customised kits, every Survival Workplace First Aid Kit comes with a personal space section that allows you to include specific items or additional first aid contents suitable for your workplace. This encourages you to stock kits with items suitable to your individual circumstances and helps you to get to know the contents of your kit – before you need them in an emergency!
This personalisation is so important to Survival that our newly released 2019 kits feature greater depth and an extra full mesh panel, as well as two new, deep pockets for increased storage of personal first aid items.
But don’t just take our word for it.
Follow the lead of big-name brands and national organisations including Scouts Australia, State Emergency Services, Surf Life Saving, Rural Fire Service, Housing Industry Association, Audi, Volkswagen, Reader’s Digest, Protech and Tynan Motors, who have invested in personalised first aid products.
For more information about first aid KIT personalisation check out our Customised First Aid KITs page or contact sales@survival.net.au
For a full range of quality first aid products visit survival.net.au
Team Survival
]]>Keeping safety at the forefront of your mind and supervising children in your care these holidays can help you steer clear of emergency situations. While we completely understand the need to let kids blow off a little steam and have some fun these holidays, we’ve put together this School Holiday Special, to help you be better prepared for any emergency!
]]>Keeping safety at the forefront of your mind and supervising children in your care these holidays can help you steer clear of emergency situations. While we completely understand the need to let kids blow off a little steam and have some fun these holidays, we’ve put together this School Holiday Special, to help you be better prepared for any emergency!
Playing around the house and in the backyard can be great for a child’s imagination and help burn off some of that everlasting energy that they all seem to have.
Appropriate supervision and wearing the right safety gear for outdoor activities is important (for example, helmets for bikes or scooters). And even when you take all the safety precautions and wear all the right gear, sometimes accidents are inevitable.
Being prepared for a home emergency situation is key. Keep your kids safe at home by:
Survival’s Home First Aid KIT contains the items you need to help prepare you for an emergency situation at home. Designed in Australia, the colour-coded labelling system enables you to clearly identify first aid contents, making it quicker and easier to respond to any emergency situation.
Included in the KIT (among other items) are sterile adhesive dressings, antiseptic/wound care, different sized wound dressings, plus SURVIVAL’s revolutionary SMART Bandage to manage potentially deadly snake and Funnel-web spider bites.
When school is out, it’s often time to hit the road with the kids! Spending quality time together on the road out of town is where some of the best childhood memories are made. Whether you’re playing ‘eye spy’ with them, or they’re buried in a book or an iPad, keeping everyone safe inside the car is paramount.
Here are some tips on keeping yourself, your children and other passengers safe inside and outside the car:
Keeping a vehicle-specific first aid kit in the car is a good way to prepare yourself, should an emergency situation arise while travelling in the car. The Survival Vehicle First Aid KIT is a revolutionary kit designed with weight and space in mind. With its colour coding and easy-to-follow instructions, you can conveniently navigate through the kit as you need.
Along with adhesive and wound dressings, this KIT also includes the SMART Bandage and an emergency blanket, plus much more. Inside, you will also find a personal space section, allowing you to include specific items or additional first aid contents suitable for your on-road adventure.
Being outdoors at the beach, in the bush or even the backyard, can be enjoyable for the whole family. You must however, take precautions and make sure that children in your care stay safe.
Never stop supervising children when they’re in, or near water. Keep your kids safe on the coast by:
Keeping your kids safe in the great outdoors by:
Survival’s Outdoor First Aid Bundle is ideal for the great outdoors. Perfect for travelling here, there and everywhere, this bundle contains our wide ranging Home First Aid KIT plus our innovative Snake Bite KIT. It also includes our leading Emergency First Aid Handbook. With all these resources in one bundle, you and your family can be better prepared for any emergency when exploring all corners of Australia.
Whether it be holidays or just hanging at home, being better prepared for any emergency situation can make all the difference. To assist your preparation, download the easy-to-use iFirst Aid app to your smartphone. With life-saving features such as vital first aid with voice instructions and a CPR timer, you’ll feel confident keeping this valuable resource with you in your pocket. Anytime. Anywhere.
Discover the full range of life saving first aid products today at survival.net.au
Happy Holidays!
Team Survival
]]>But this year, don’t let the winter season cause your health to fall by the wayside: we’ve got some great ideas to get you out, about and moving to ward off the winter blues, as well as tips to keep you safe and sound during your adventures.
]]>But this year, don’t let the winter season cause your health to fall by the wayside: we’ve got some great ideas to get you out, about and moving to ward off the winter blues, as well as tips to keep you safe and sound during your adventures.
Here we share with you our four top tips for surviving winter’s chills and spills:
A family holiday to the snow is a sure-fire winner during the cooler months. Who doesn’t love the idea of snowball fights, sledding and a cheeky hot chocolate or two?
Giving skiing or snowboarding a go is a great way to get your cheeks flushed and your heart rate up, but prior to your trip to the slopes, preparation is a must.
Before you leave home, make sure your car is ready for the journey ahead. This includes double-checking all of your lights are working, and ensuring your tyres are in good condition (and, of course, you should carry a spare).
Practise fitting your snow chains to your wheels before you leave home, so you’re not trying to figure it out as the first icy winds hit, and carry a spade, tow rope, ground sheet and extra warm clothes, just in case your car trip takes an unexpected turn.
Most importantly, make sure you’ve got your Survival Vehicle First Aid KIT in easy access in the car, and ensure its fully stocked and ready to go should you need it. Whether you’re travelling in a car, 4WD, caravan or motorhome, Survival’s Vehicle First Aid KIT will help prepare you for any emergency on the road to the slopes.
Camping really can be an all-weather family activity, and while us Aussies are made of tough stuff, we’re sometimes not so good at coping in the great outdoors when the weather takes a turn.
Make sure your equipment is all weather-proof and in good nick – so no holes in your hiking boots, or threadbare socks – and invest in a good tent and sleeping bag. Trust us, it’s worth the extra cash, and you won’t regret it at 2am.
Of course, there’s not just comfort but safety to worry about.
Whether you’re hiking up a mountain or day-tripping through the sand dunes on your way to your next campsite, Survival’s Camping First Aid Bundle will give you peace of mind and help prepare you for any winter emergency.
Containing the Travel First Aid KIT - Australia’s ultimate adventure KIT -- as well as the small and super-light Compact First Aid KIT, the comprehensive Camping First Aid Bundle has all the first aid contents you’ll need to help keep you safe on your next camping adventure, rain, hail or shine!
Many people seem to bring out the boat only when the weather hits 25 degrees, but winter is a great time to hit the water.
In Australia, the middle months of the year can actually offer calmer and more predictable weather than in the warmer months, and in winter, windless days can mean flat seas… perfect for those who prefer it a little less choppy!
As always, safety comes first when you’re in and around the water. Combining our comprehensive Workplace First Aid KIT and durable Waterproof Box, the Boaties First Aid Bundle is the ideal first aid solution for travels on the water this winter, containing all the essential items to respond to minor and major emergencies.
You’re all clued up on the best safety buys to keep you and your family safe this winter, so now it’s time to act.
Don’t wait until you’re faced with an emergency this winter. With our End of Financial Year (EOFY) sale, you can get up to 50% off a huge range of fantastic Survival products, including our Family First Aid Bundle, Camping First Aid Bundle, Outdoor Bundle and more.
These incredible discounts are only available until June 30 so don’t miss out!
Keep your family safe this winter
Find all the best first aid equipment for your winter adventures at survivalfirstaidkits.net.au.
Team Survival
]]>As efficiency escalates and expectations grow, we examine why workplace safety has now become more important than ever before.
]]>As efficiency escalates and expectations grow, we examine why workplace safety has now become more important than ever before.
According to SafeWork Australia, 3414 workers lost their lives on-the-job between 2003 and 2016. This sobering workplace safety statistic means that more than 260 Australian workers have died as a result of workplace incident or injury during this 13-year period.
The Transport, Postal & Warehousing sector represents the largest number of worker fatalities over a similar 10-year period, closely followed by the Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing industries. And trust us, this is one race no one wants to win.
SafeWork Australia further reports: “as at 28 April, there have been 51 Australian workers killed at work in 2019.”
So, what can be done about this incomprehensible loss of life?
Despite the latest advances in technology and an increased awareness of risks, hazards and a pronounced emphasis on workplace safety culture, these sobering statistics show us more needs to be done.
In recent times, Workplace Safety has become a hot topic, with companies boasting about their impressive safety records and proactive risk analysis. Here’s why:
Survival Emergency Solutions is an Australian-owned, family business founded 30 years ago, to help everyone be better prepared for the event of emergency.
From our leading Workplace First Aid Kits, Bundles, Handbooks and revolutionary iFirstAid app, our mission is to give every Australian worker peace of mind that they will return home safe at the end of the day.
]]>After finishing university, I did what many young Aussies do when they want to procrastinate for a little while longer before winding up in fulltime work – and went backpacking around the world for ten months.
My adventures took me through Africa, Europe, trekking the Himalayas in Nepal and living on Phi Phi Island in Thailand, the timing of which coincided with the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. This was an indescribable experience of terror, pain and sadness, but also of hope and the capacity of the human spirit to prevail in the face of immense tragedy and loss.
It was around 10am on 26 December 2004. I was on Phi Phi Island, Thailand. For anyone who hasn’t been there picture paradise. Nearing the end of my backpacking adventure, I was traveling alone and had just sat down for breakfast. I was wearing a pair of red boardies, had no t-shirt and my thongs (flipflops) were outside. I was carrying a small shoulder bag that held my wallet and a tube of Vegemite, with my passport and all my other possessions back in my bungalow.
Only my two closest mates knew I was on Phi Phi. We had partied there for a week in early November and I’d told them I would return for Christmas and spend a month learning Muay Thai. My family thought that I was in Cambodia as that was my original plan. I had tried calling them on Christmas Day to update them on my whereabouts, but with the rudimentary phone system on Phi Phi, couldn’t get through. In retrospect, it was better that they didn’t know where I was.
Before breakfast was served, I heard what sounded like a helicopter right above me. Then I heard screaming and saw people fleeing. It was chaos. My first thoughts were that this was a terrorist attack. I didn’t want to run for no reason. As I watched, I saw beach shacks being engulfed in water. That’s when I immediately started running. I didn’t know where, I was on auto pilot. Self-preservation kicked in and I overtook many people dodging and weaving, which would later haunt me for years to come.
There was a fork in the road and I chose left. Had I turned right I have no doubt I wouldn’t be here. I could hear the roaring power of the wave getting closer and closer. As I was running, a voice on a small hill yelled out; “Get up here, it’s high ground.” I scrambled up the hill. When I turned around, I saw complete carnage. The main part of Phi Phi was entirely covered in water, with water receding and covering the island like a pendulum for the next 30 minutes.
This was the first instance I realised a tsunami had hit the island. People were screaming and crying. The island was now covered in debris of concrete, rubbish and corrugated metal. I heard locals on mobile phones saying; ‘another wave was coming’ and calling for; ‘everyone to get up higher.’
As the water receded and stopped washing back over the island, I headed down the hill. In front of me was a dead, unclothed Thai lady. This was the first dead person I had ever seen and the first of hundreds that I saw during the next 36 hours. Afterwards, I had recurring nightmares of this vision for months.
Everyone scrambled for higher ground whilst a few of us joined together to pull out those who were trapped in the rubble. We made groups of four, as this was the easiest way to carry the injured and dead over the rubble. There was around 50 people helping to recover the injured. The rest of the island was in shock and fled to the lookout, high above Phi Phi.
Over the next few hours we dug out and pulled to safety many injured, whilst constantly dealing with the threat of another wave coming. I can remember being in the middle of the flat section, exposed and having to run over the debris to safety as apparently another wave was coming. It didn’t. We gradually gained confidence to stay in the exposed area for longer.
We found the one high hotel in Phi Phi. It was next to a grassy patch that helicopters could land on. We used doors as stretchers and would take the injured to this hotel. It was like a makeshift hospital that held many injured and dead. The hotel provided protection in case another wave came and also provided easy access to the helicopter.
Whilst carrying seriously injured people to the helicopter, we noticed some individuals with all of their luggage, trying to push in front and board the helicopter first. This was tough to deal with, but we managed to install some order. People react differently in tough situations.
We searched the ruins until well after dark using torches that we found. We were exhausted. It was too dangerous to remain in the open area and I needed a rest. I headed to the top of the lookout. It seemed like everyone on the island was there, including all the animals and insects. People were screaming and crying uncontrollably. I would wake up for months after this night feeling like insects were crawling all over me and from the wailing screams in my dreams.
I didn’t sleep at all that night. I was lucky to find the only person I knew on the island, Maria. I was sure she had died as I had tried searching for her earlier in the day. She was one of the lucky ones and for once had woken before 10am. We lay on the dirt, hugging to keep each other warm. Despite finding Maria, it was by far the worst night of my life.
As soon as the sun rose, I headed back down to continue looking for others. I teamed up with two blokes who have now become lifelong mates. We continued looking for the injured together and would take them to the helicopter area for evacuation.
During this time, I learned that one of them had lost his wife during the tsunami. We searched for her everywhere but could not find her. We later found out she was in the morgue in Phuket. Despite the trauma my mate was suffering, he kept it together and worked tirelessly to help others. He was a true inspiration.
Having pulled to safety many of the injured people, we began to find only dead people. One highlight of the day was digging out a young girl from sand and dirt. She had survived overnight, trapped. She had amazing fight. Others that we took to safety had missing limbs, broken bones and large lacerations.
Those that were injured and trapped had now mostly been pulled to safety. Ferries began arriving during the day and evacuated people to Phuket. I knew a hidden track that went from the beach to the lookout and provided the easiest evacuation route, so people did not have to climb through debris. For several hours, I led people down to the ferries. We were the last group to leave the island, jumping on a large cargo type boat at dusk on 27 December 2004.
We were taken to Phuket and stayed in a school hall. The next day we went to a large area where embassies had been temporarily setup. We were issued with temporary passports, which were basically a piece of paper with a photo on it and a short letter asking the Thai and Australian authorities to be lenient and allow access back to Australia.
We did what we could for our mate who had lost his wife. His family were joining him and so we left for Bangkok aboard a flight paid for by the Thai government. When we arrived we felt like zombies. Nobody had any concept of what had just happened and this made me feel terrible. I seriously struggled, even battling to have a conversation.
I only had to wait 12 hours for my flight to Australia. I arrived back home on New Year’s Eve, exhausted and seriously sunburned.
It has taken me a long time to deal with the trauma of my experience on Phi Phi Island. Having a loving family who supported me was of great benefit. I tried to manage my feelings of guilt for those who I ran past by thinking about the people I helped following the event. Had I not made it to safety, there may have been others who were never rescued.
We were on an island paradise. Half the island died on that day, approximately 2500 people. I am one of the lucky ones and although it was a traumatic experience, it has made me stronger and changed my outlook on life.
I returned to Phi Phi many times during the years immediately following the Tsunami to help rebuild the local community. At the ten-year anniversary in 2014, I was reunited with many people who remembered me from when I carried them to the shelter for evacuation.
One particular bloke we carried to safety had broken every bone in his back. We had to dig him out and carry him on a door that we had found floating in the debris. We got him to safety and evacuated. He broke down in tears when he saw me. This was an incredibly humbling and unforgettable experience.
I often reflect on the events of the 2004 Tsunami and pay my respects to those who died. When I think about the events of that time, I feel someone is truly looking out for me.
This experience has taught me that you never know what is around the corner, so you might as well make the most out of life. Everything can change in an instant. This isn’t something that should cause you to live in fear, but instead cherish each day and make the most of every opportunity.
When I find myself getting swept up in ‘life’ and becoming too bogged down and ‘busy,’ I try to centre myself and come back to my reality, which is being thankful for being alive and living in the moment with the ones I love most.
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