The ARC has released updated versions dated November 2008 for the following guidelines:
3.3 Positioning an Unconscious Victim
8.1 Principles of Control of Bleeding for First Aiders
8.5 Burns
8.10 First aid Management of a Seizure
8.15 First Aid for Asthma
8.16 Heat Induced Illness (Hyperthermia): First Aid Management
8.18 Management of Suspected Spinal Injury
8.19 The First Aid Management of Hyperventilation Syndrome
10.1.2 The Use of Oxygen in Emergencies

The update also included amendments to the Glossary of Terms with several additions and omissions from the February 2006 version.

Changes of note to the guidelines include

3.3 Positioning an Unconscious Victim.
The rewording of management of an unconscious victim to read ‘every effort made to avoid twisting or forward movement’ as opposed to ‘no twisting… etc’.

8.1 Principles of Control of Bleeding for First Aiders.
A reintroduction of the term ‘tourniquet’ as opposed to ‘constrictive bandage’ as a last resort option in the principles for the control of bleeding.

8.5 Burns.
A significant expansion of the definition of a burn.

8.10 First aid Management of a Seizure
Includes reference to research in relation to seizures in children between 6 months and 6 years of age.

8.15 First Aid for Asthma
Includes reference to the 'triggers' of asthma and alignment to recommendations of the National Asthma Council. The new guideline states “No harm is likely to result from giving a ‘reliever’ puffer to someone without asthma”.

8.16 Heat Induced Illness (Hyperthermia): First Aid Management
The heat induced illness guideline now references only heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat related convulsions, syncope and cramps are no longer referenced.

8.18 Management of Suspected Spinal Injury
Specific mention is made under the management of an unconscious victim with a spinal injury that “It is acceptable to gently move the head into a neutral position to obtain a clear airway’.

8.19 The First Aid Management of Hyperventilation Syndrome
The 1993 guideline for the first aid management of hyperventilation was reviewed. No significant changes, however reiteration of the correct principles of management with an emphasis placed on “Do not use any bag for re-breathing”.

10.1.2 The Use of Oxygen in Emergencies
The 1993 guideline for the use of oxygen in emergencies was updated. Equipment and management was revised. References to training was removed.

The Queensland Department of Mines and Energy (DME) has issued a safety alert to mines and quarries advising them to ensure procedures for adverse weather events are current and reflect site specific conditions.

The alert relates to a recent incident in which two mine workers suffered serious injuries and two others were trapped in a crib hut when the hut turned over and the exit door ended up face down preventing exit.

Adverse weather procedures should address significant and extended events such as cyclones or spontaneous and rapid events such as willy willy's, cock eyed bob's, dust devils and electrical storms. These weather conditions have been the cause of serious injuries at mine sites in recent times. Mine operators should ensure they have specific procedures for adverse weather that are reviewed regularly to ensure adequate controls for inherent risks localised to the operation.

As a rule of thumb, any moth of the year containing an ‘r’ can be considered to have the potential for adverse weather. i.e between September to April.

The New South Wales Health Minister John Della Bosca says he accepts the decision handed down by the NSW State Rescue Board (SRB) to transfer the role of the NSW Ambulance Rescue Unit's to the NSW Fire Brigade, but remains disappointed with the decision and will continue looking for ways to expand the role of the state's paramedics.

Seven of the eight-members of the SRB board voted to uphold the decision.

The principal function of the NSW SRB is to ensure the maintenance of efficient and effective rescue services throughout New South Wales The members consitist of representatives of the following.

• the State Emergency Operations Controller;
• the Director General of the State Emergency Service;
• a member of the Police Senior Executive Service nominated by the Commissioner of Police;
• the Commissioner of the New South Wales Fire Brigades;
• the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service;
• the State Superintendent of the Ambulance Service of New South Wales;
• the President of the Volunteer Rescue Association of New South Wales;
• the Chairperson of the Volunteer Marine Rescue Council of New South Wales;   and
• the heads of any other volunteer rescue agencies approved at the time by the Minister.

The State Rescue Board is required to:

• develop policies to promote the provision of comprehensive, balanced and coordinated rescue services throughout the State;
• make recommendations to the Minister on policy matters relating to the provision of rescue services within the State;
• review planning for single incident rescues within the State;
• review and disseminate to relevant agencies technical information relating to rescue operations;
• ensure proper liaison and coordination with Federal and other State organisations in connection with rescue services;
• provide advice and recommendations on the compatibility of rescue equipment, including communications equipment;
• make recommendations to the Minister on the accreditation of rescue units (both permanent and volunteer) for participation in rescue operations;
• make recommendations to the Minister on levels of Government support (including financial assistance under section 60) to volunteer organisations providing rescue services;
• assist in the conduct of training exercises in rescue operations involving the various agencies concerned;
• monitor the training standards of the permanent and volunteer services in rescue;
• review proposals for amendment of legislation relating to rescue and make recommendations to the Minister;  and
• make reports or recommendations to the Minister on any matter referred to the Board by the Minister.

The Rees Government will establish a new volunteer marine rescue organisation to be called NSW Marine Rescue following a joint announcement by Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi, and the Minister for Emergency Services, Tony Kelly.

The formation of the new body was the conclusion of the John Price Report into the volunteer marine rescue movement and will see the amalgamation of the state's three existing marine rescue organisations; the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association.

“NSW currently has three voluntary marine rescue organisations, with an assortment of vessels, operational bases and hundreds of wonderful volunteers,” Mr Tripodi said.

“The Price Report considered their structures, adequacy and sustainability and recommended the establishment of a new rescue group, with membership to be invited from the existing three volunteer organisations.”

The transitional period will be two years, in keeping with Price Report recommendations.

The NSW State Government will provide $3 million towards establishing the new organisation and will also maintain NSW Maritime’s annual funding of $1.35 million during the transition period.

Mr Kelly said the new service would eliminate duplication of existing resources, with the aim to standardise vessels, equipment and training.