Heat Health

Heat Health

Extreme heat can affect anybody, but there are some who are more at risk: older people, young children, and people with a medical condition. It is also important to consider any hot day as a health risk.   

Because heat can impact your health, we have put together some tips on what to do if you or someone you know has heat-related illnesses.

Extreme heat conditions increase the likelihood of bushfires so it is important to keep up to date with fire warnings on these days.   

Prepare for extreme heat days  

Many councils offer places with air-conditioning where people can shelter from the heat.  These often include council buildings, libraries or shopping centres.  Check with your local council for locations.   

Vic Emergency app - Being prepared and understanding warnings – information includes fire, extreme heat, water safety, and preparing for telecommunications and power outages.   

Department of Health – Heat health warnings  

Country Fire Authority – Plan and prepare for fires and CFA Fire Ready Kit   To source translated material for someone who does not read English call 131450.    

The ABC Emergency website also provides information on general recovery, flood, bushfire, storm or cyclone and heatwaves. 

 

 10 things to do on hot days
  1. Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water. Soft drinks and alcohol are not good for hydration, so it is best to stick with water. 
  2. Stay in the shade and cool spaces: either in air conditioning at home, or your local council’s cool spaces. Even if you can’t stay in these spaces, taking short, regular breaks can help.
  3. Dress for the weather: wear light weight clothing in light colours.
  4. Use wet towels, put your feet in cool water, and take cool (not cold) showers.
  5. Avoid going outside in direct sunlight if you can help it: avoid gardening on very hot days. If you have to go outside, try to do it in the early morning or evening and wear a hat.
  6. Reduce your physical activity: take a break from exercise on very hot days. Avoid walking your dog on hot days as it can be dangerous for both your and your pet’s health.
  7. At home, keep your blinds drawn and curtains closed: Avoid running the oven and other appliances that produce heat.
  8. Make sure you don’t leave anyone, including children or pets, in a car on hot days: even if you’re going to be gone a few minutes and the window is down. The temperature inside a car can double in a very short time.
  9. Check in on friends, family, and neighbours who are elderly and help them avoid the heat.
  10. Be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness and when to seek medical.

 Click here for more information on emergency management.

Heat related illnesses

It is important to remember heat affects everyone differently. It can worsen the condition for someone who already has a medical issue such as heart disease or diabetes, or those who are already not feeling well with another illness.

The below information is a brief guide but if you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, call Nurse-On-Call (1300 60 60 24) for advice, or if it’s an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Condition

Symptoms

What to do

Heat cramps

 

Muscle pains

Spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs

 

Stop activity, and sit in a cool space

Drink cool water

Rest for a few hours before returning to activity

See a doctor if cramps persist

Heat exhaustion

 

Sweating

Pale complexion

Rapid pulse

Muscle cramps, weakness

Dizziness, headache

Nausea, vomiting

Fainting

 Go to a cool area and lie down

Have a fan on if possible

Drink cool water if not vomiting

Remove outer clothing

Wet skin with cool water or wet clothes

See a doctor or call 000 for an ambulance

Heat Stroke (this is a life-threatening emergency)

 

Very high body temperature

Red, hot, dry, skin (no sweating)

Dry, swollen tongue

Rapid pulse

Dizziness, headache

Nausea, vomiting

Collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness

 Immediately call 000!

While waiting for emergency medical help:

- Get the person to a cool, shady area and lay them down

- Remove excess clothing and wet their skin with water or wrap in wet cloths and fan continuously

- If the person is conscious and able to swallow, give them cool water to drink

- Position an unconscious person on their side if they’re breathing (perform CPR if needed)

- Seek further instructions from Triple Zero / ambulance / hospital emergency staff while waiting for the ambulance