Australia’s hot climate and the increasing frequency of heatwaves make it essential to stay vigilant about heat-related illnesses. These conditions, ranging from mild dehydration to life-threatening heatstroke, can affect anyone, but some groups are more vulnerable. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and others during extreme heat.
Why is Heat Awareness Important?
Heatwaves, defined as three or more consecutive days of above-average temperatures, are Australia’s deadliest natural hazard, causing more fatalities than all other extreme weather events combined. With temperatures predicted to rise further, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.
Knowing how to stay safe in the heat and recognising heat-related illnesses can save lives.
Certain groups are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including:
- Older adults (65+ years), babies, and young children
- People with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
- Individuals living with overweight or obesity
- People taking specific medications that affect body temperature or hydration
- Outdoor workers or those in poorly ventilated environments
- Visitors unaccustomed to Australia’s heat
1. Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeinated beverages, as they can worsen dehydration.
- Check your hydration levels using urine colour as a guide—pale yellow indicates good hydration.
2. Keep Your Body Cool
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton.
- Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (11 am–5 pm).
- Take cool showers or baths and use fans or air conditioning.
- If you must go outside, apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and carry water.
3. Cool Your Home
- Close curtains and blinds during the day to block out heat.
- Minimise oven and stove use to prevent extra heat build-up.
- Spend time in air-conditioned spaces like libraries, shopping centres, or cinemas.
4. Look After Others
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
- Ensure children and pets stay hydrated and cool.
- Never leave children or animals in a car, even for a short time.
- Heat Rash – Itchy, painful red pimples or blisters caused by excessive sweating.
- Dehydration – Symptoms include dizziness, dark urine, and fatigue.
- Heat Cramps – Muscle spasms due to excessive sweating and loss of salt.
- Heat Exhaustion – Heavy sweating, pale skin, dizziness, nausea, and weakness.
- Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency) – Body temperature above 40°C, confusion, and unconsciousness.
If someone shows signs of heat stroke, call 000 immediately and start cooling them down with water, cool packs, or a fan while waiting for help.
- Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ or higher.
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.
- Checking the UV index and following sun protection recommendations when it is 3 or above.
- Hemiplegic Migraine – Includes temporary muscle weakness on one side of the body.
When the heat subsides:
- Continue to drink plenty of water.
- Open windows to cool your home naturally.
- Check on family and friends to ensure they are well.
- Reflect on your heatwave experience and consider making changes to better prepare for future extreme heat.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Heat-related illnesses can worsen quickly if left untreated. For emergencies — including heatstroke — call 000 immediately.
For non-emergency conditions, such as heat rash, dehydration, or other heat-related illnesses, visit the After Hours Clinic in Ipswich for expert medical care and hydration infusions.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 immediately.
Reference: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hot-weather-risks-and-staying-cool
