b'INSURANCEBefore we even hit the road, we need to make Snakes and Spiderssure we have done some preparation for what we might encounter on our road ahead, packing essential survival gear, first aid kits and a snake bite kit. While most of the time snakes and spiders are more afraid of us than we are of them, they will still defend themselves if they are surprised or feel threatened. 4WD vehicles,Get Ready to Rev Up for thetents and chairs make for a great temporary2024 Blood DRIVE! home to a snake or spider, as they provide great methods of regulating their temperature. If1 October31 December 2024you have taken your 4WD out on the road on a coolAustralian night, the warm engine bay canIts almost time to put the pedal to the metal for a make for a nice bed. Its important to always because that should be close to all our hearts: the 2024 mindful when you are conducting your morningBlood DRIVE! In true four-wheel drive spirit, were checks, especially around the tent, the bonnethitting the road to save lives, one donation at a time. and shoes.This year, we have set a goal of 80 donations. Last First Aid years drive resulted in 65 donations, helping 195 people. Lets surpass that!As highlighted above, wildlife out in the countryTo ensure your donations count towards the Blood can spring a surprise when we least expectDRIVE, make sure to join our Four Wheel Drive it. Therefore, its crucial for all adventurersVictoria Lifeblood Team. You can update your team to be well prepared for any emergency withpreferences online at www.lifeblood.com.au, through adequate equipment and knowledge. A firstthe Donate Blood App, or by calling 13 14 95. aid kit is a must have and it should be regularlyAlternatively, mention the Team when youre at the maintained throughout the year. A good firstdonation centre, and the staff can help. aid kit should be able to handle everything fromIndividual Clubs wanting community service minor injuries (scrapes, scratches, rashes andinitiatives or Team-bonding activities listen up. If your burns) to major injuries (bites, broken bonesclub would like to have a Lifeblood representative visit and heavy bleeding). and speak at a meeting, please contact Ash at ahales@redcrossblood.org.au. This could be a great way to Key items to have in every camping firstspark interest and engage members in a meaningful aid kit, include burn gels, burn dressings,activity and learn more about whats involved. gloves, bandages, gauze, wound dressings,Additionally, why not make it a group effort? Ash can medical tape, iodine swabs, insect bitehelp organise a group donation tailored for your club. sprays, antihistamines, pain relief drubsWhether its 3 donors with their 4WDs in the car and EpiPens. For snake or spider bites, itspark or 30, a collective donation effort can be both important to include pressure immobilisationmotivating and rewarding.bandages, permanent markers and conformingWe dont have to look far to find someone in our heavyweight bandages. community who is very active in the donor space. Dave Roberts recently celebrated his 775th donation The second component of quality first aid is theat the Ringwood Donor Centre. He is clearly very knowledge. While the equipment can certainlypassionate about donating, recognising the real-life, help with most incidents, having the first aidlife-saving impact donations have. In fact, he is striving training to deal with the major incidents mightto set a record by squeezing in 27 plasma donations inContact your localbe the difference in saving a life, especially ina single year. With calculated appointment scheduling the remote parts of the country. There are manyand the leap year, hes on track to meet his goal. Gooddealer for a test driveonline tools and guides that can assist with firstluck Dave!aid training online. If you looking for somethingNot sure if youre eligible to donate? Many people who a bit more formal, many organisations suchthink they cant donate, can. Check your eligibility at as St Johns Ambulance provide certified first13 14 95 or on Lifebloods website.aid training courses across all states andWell be sharing Blood Drive updates in the monthly territories. e-newsletters, but if you or your club would like further support, touch base with Ash. Lets drive this We hope these tips were beneficial andcause forward and make the 2024 Blood DRIVE the contribute to a safer trip next time. Stay safebest one yet. out there.Ready, set, donate!26 TRACKWATCH|September 2024'