Passenger safety and comfort should be high on your list of priorities on any road trip you undertake, but is paramount when it comes to off-road and outback travel.
Some basic preparation from a passenger point of view includes:
- Planning your wardrobe to suit the climates you will encounter. Desert areas can be blisteringly hot during the day and freezing cold overnight. Loose fitting clothes are best for hot areas and close knit woollens for cold. Avoid synthetic sweat producing items.
- Take hats and other sun protection clothing
- Have an adequate supply of sunscreen available at all times
- Have an adequate supply of water (minimum 7 litres of water per person per day), fuel and basic food items for emergencies
- Ensure your vehicle is adequately ventilated. Use the car’s cooling system rather than open windows, as the latter tends to encourage drowsiness
- Wet towels can cool vehicle occupants on hot days
- Wear shoes when you get out of the vehicle
First Aid Kit
It is possible to purchase fully equipped remote area first aid kits but if you wish to set up your own, it should contain the following items:
- Adhesive dressing strips for minor cuts and grazes
- Adhesive tape to hold dressings in place
- Antiseptic solution
- Analgesic tablets eg paracetamol for headaches
- Cream or gel for insect stings or bites
- Disposable gloves
- Scissors
- Thermometer in protective case
- Tweezers or splinter forceps
- Eye bath
- Resuscitation mask (disposable)
- Small dish
- Safety pins
- Sterile combine dressings – for severe bleeding
- Sterile eye pads (wrapped individually)
- Sterile non adherent absorbent dressing for burns
- Triangular bandages
- Up to date first aid book
- Card with emergency numbers and details for each member of the touring party including:
- Blood group
- Allergies (particularly to drugs or insect bites)
- Special medical problems
- Prescribed medications
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