Hot weather in Australia is often an excuse to visit your local swimming spot or run through the sprinkler. However, the persistent soaring temperatures of a heatwave can lead to illnesses, such as heatstroke.
In fact, from 2012 to 2022, extreme heat was the biggest cause of weather-related injuries and hospitalisations in Australia.
Why is heatstroke a serious condition?
Hot weather can cause heatstroke, a life-threatening condition in which a person can no longer regulate their own body temperature.
If left untreated, heatstroke can lead to complications, such as organ failure, brain damage and death.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if someone is experiencing symptoms.
What are the symptoms of heatstroke?
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- a sudden rise in body temperature (above 40°C)
- red, hot dry skin (because sweating has stopped — though the person may still be sweaty if they have been exercising)
- intense thirst
- rapid pulse and rapid, shallow breathing
- nausea and vomiting
- aggressive or bizarre behaviour, confusion, poor coordination or slurred speech
- loss of consciousness, seizures or coma
How to keep cool
- Drink plenty of water — and check the colour of your wee. If your wee is pale, you’re drinking enough; if it’s dark yellow, you need to drink more.
- Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee because they can make dehydration worse.
- On very hot days, avoid being outdoors between 11am and 5pm.
- At home, you can put wet towels or cool packs on your arms or neck or put your feet in cool water. Take cool showers or baths.
- If you don’t have air-conditioning, visit a cool place like a library, shopping centre or cinema.
- Spend time in the coolest room in your house — this will often be on the ground floor on the south side.
- Use your stove and oven as little as possible.
- If you go outside, make sure to protect yourself from the sun.
Where to seek help
If you become very unwell, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. If you think your symptoms are serious, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance immediately.
You can call North Coast Health Connect on 1800 198 888 or webcat with them. This is a free service where you can speak to a registered nurse and they can recommend the best course of action for treatment, including booking a GP (for free!) on your behalf.
This is a summarised article of one originally published on healthdirect.