Page 551 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  549

Dial 000 in any part of the
country for ambulance assis­
tance. Most public hospitals
have an emergency department.
For less urgent treatment, wait
times can be very long. There are
24­hour medical centres in the
major cities, and doctors in or
near most towns. A standard
consultation with a doctor
will cost $75–120. Look in the
local Yellow Pages under
“Medical Practitioners”.
For dental emergencies, go
to the emergency department Surf lifesaving sign indicating a dangerous undertow or “rip”
of a public hospital. The govern­
ment’s Health Direct service if in any doubt, do not swim. dry seasons when campfires and
provides health information You should never swim alone. barbecues are restricted and
and details of nearby general Even in well­trodden areas of national parks may be closed.
practitioner doctors and the Australian bush, hikers can Avoid high­risk areas and dial 000
pharmacies open after hours. lose their way. Always inform if in immediate danger from fire.
someone of your route. Staff at
national parks can offer advice
Pharmacies Protecting Your Skin
and maps, and will keep a note
Pharmacies (or “chemist shops”) of your intended trip. Take a Australia has the highest rate of
are plentiful in cities and suburbs, basic first­aid kit, food and skin cancer in the world, caused
but can be thin on the ground in water, a GPS device with by harmful ultraviolet rays. The
remote areas. Unrestricted drugs coverage, and extra clothing. risk of skin damage is high, even
such as over­the­counter pain­ In many regions, temperatures on cloudy days. Always use a
killers and other goods such as plummet when the sun sets. good SPF 30 to 50+ sunscreen
cosmetics, toiletries, suncreams Australia is home to some of and wear sun protective
and baby products are standard the most venomous creatures clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
stock items. Most pharmacies will on earth. Basic precautions such Keep in the shade if possible,
provide free advice on minor as good boots, thick socks and especially between 10am and
ailments, but foreign prescrip­ a wary eye are necessary. 2pm. The Cancer Council of
tions can only be met if endorsed Snake­bite victims should be Australia website has more
by a local medical practitioner. kept calm while emergency information, and check UV alerts
The Health Direct service can help is sought. Try to identify from the Bureau of Meteorology
advise on after­hours pharmacies. the creature by size and colour (www. bom.gov.au).
so that the appropriate anti­
venom can be administered. DIRECTORY
Environmental Hazards
Crocodiles are fascinating
Paid lifeguards dressed in blue but dangerous creatures. Emergency Services
and white, and/or volunteer life­ In the northern regions, heed Police, Fire and Ambulance
savers in red and yellow, patrol the warning signs and make Tel 000 from any telephone.
many beaches in populated enquiries before you risk Service operates 24 hours and
areas. Safe swimming swimming in remote, calls are free.
areas are indicated by unpatrolled areas.
red and yellow flags Box jellyfish and National Helplines
during spring and other stingers invade
summer. However, there tropical waters between Cancer Council of Australia
are vast stretches of October and May and Tel 131 120. ∑ cancer.org.au
unpatrolled beaches in their sting can be deadly. Health Direct
Australia and many of Tasmania Again, observe the signs. Tel 1800 022 222.
these are subject to parks logo Light, full­length stinger ∑ healthdirect.gov.au
dangerous rips. Rips can suits offer good protec­ Lifeline (emotional support)
often be identified as a darker tion, but exposed areas such as Tel 131 114.
and calmer stretch of water face and hands can still be stung.
between the breaking waves. Bush fires are a fact of life in NSW Rural Fire Service
Do not falsely equate calmer Australia. When planning a Tel 1800 679 737 (or 000 in an
emergency). ∑ rfs.nsw.gov.au
water with safe swimming. camping trip, ring the NSW
Certain rips can be so strong Rural Fire Service to check on Poisons Information
that even wading can pose a restrictions. Total fire bans are Tel 131 126.
threat. Follow local advice and, not uncommon during warm,