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Be Prepared: What to Do in a Bushfire

A picture of a fireman in fron ot embers with the text "make sure first aid is a part of your busfire plan."
Bushfire safety guide

Having a Bushfire Plan allows you to make crucial decisions before a fire becomes a direct threat. Being well-prepared can ease stress and minimise risks, potentially saving your life and the lives of those you care about. 

For a comprehensive guide on bushfire safety and planning, check out the Tasmania Bushfire Safety Guide. This guide covers everything from understanding risks and preparing your property to knowing when to leave and what to take with you.

A First Aid Kit is a Must-Have

In an emergency, a well-stocked first aid kit can mean the difference between a manageable situation and a crisis. Your kit should contain essentials such as bandages, dressings, saline solution for eye irrigation, and burn dressings. A thermal blanket helps regulate body temperature, while face masks reduce exposure to smoke. Pain relief medication and a first aid manual are also essential.

If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, keep a spare inhaler and necessary medications in your first aid kit. Access to pharmacies or medical care may be limited in a bushfire, so having these essentials on hand is lifesaving.

If you don’t already have a first aid kit, now is the time to get one. Come and see us in store in Hobart, Launceston or Devonport or get one online at St John Ambulance's online store.

Smoke or Embers in the Eyes

smoke and embers fact sheet

Bushfires pose serious eye hazards, including exposure to smoke, toxic gases, and embers. Smoke contains harmful chemicals like benzene, carbon monoxide, and fine soot particles (as small as 3.5 micrometres), which can cause eye irritation, redness, and watering. Severe exposure can lead to corneal abrasions, conjunctivitis, and ember burns to the eyes, eyelids, and face. If embers enter the eye:

  • Do not rub or attempt to remove embedded particles.
  • Open the eyelid gently and rinse with large amounts of cold running water for 20 minutes.
  • Cover the affected eye with a clean dressing.
  • Seek medical attention immediately.

Download our fact sheet to include in your first aid kit!

 

 

 

asthma fact sheet

Smoke Inhalation: A Risk for Everyone

Thick bushfire smoke can affect anyone, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, eye irritation, dizziness, and confusion. If someone is experiencing smoke inhalation:

  • Move them to fresh air immediately.
  • Encourage slow, deep breaths.
  • Have them sit upright to assist lung function.
  • Offer small sips of water if they are conscious.
  • If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately.

If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, take extra precautions. Smoke exposure can trigger severe symptoms, so always carry a spare inhaler, extra medication, and a face mask to help filter out smoke. Ensuring you have these on hand can prevent minor irritation from becoming a life-threatening emergency.

Download our fact sheet to include in your first aid kit!

The Dangers of High Heat and Dehydration

heat illness fact sheet

Extreme heat and bushfire conditions can push the human body to its limits. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can develop quickly, causing dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, and a rapid heartbeat. If left untreated, these conditions can escalate to heatstroke, which is life-threatening.

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

  • Sudden rise in body temperature
  • Dry, swollen tongue
  • Intense thirst
  • Slurred speech
  • Lack of coordination
  • Aggressive or unusual behaviour
  • Seizures
  • Confusion or loss of consciousness

If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion:

  • Move them to a cool area.
  • Loosen tight clothing.
  • Soak them with any available water.
  • Fan continuously.
  • Offer small sips of water.
  • If there is no improvement within 10 minutes, call Triple Zero (000)

Download our fact sheet to include in your first aid kit!

Don't Forget About Your Pets

Your pets rely on you to keep them safe during a bushfire. If evacuating, take them with you—never leave them behind. Prepare a pet emergency kit with food, water, medications, and identification tags, and keep them indoors if smoke is heavy.

For livestock:

  • Ensure they have access to safe areas away from fire danger.
  • Remove flammable materials from enclosures.
  • Have a plan to relocate them if necessary.

For detailed pet emergency planning, visit the RSPCA Tasmania guide.

Stay Informed

Bushfire conditions can change instantly. Stay up to date by checking the Tasmania Police website for road closures, listening to emergency broadcasts on ABC Local Radio, and monitoring TasALERT and Tasmania Fire Service for the latest warnings and evacuation advice.

Bushfires are unpredictable, but preparation can save lives. Now is the time to act—review your bushfire plan, stock your first aid kit, and ensure your pets and loved ones are ready for an emergency. If you haven’t already, consider enrolling in a first aid course with St John Ambulance Tasmania to gain essential lifesaving skills.

Stay safe, stay informed, and be prepared.

👉 Book a first aid course today!

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