HEATWAVES CAN KILL

Heatwaves are perhaps our most under-rated and least studied natural hazard. During the 20th century, heatwaves have probably caused more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard. A single heatwave in southern Australia once resulted in 437 deaths and seriously affected many thousands. Heat can also cause expensive livestock and crop losses and damage to roads, railways, bridges etc.

HEAT STRESS AND THOSE MOST AT RISK

Every summer people suffer from heat stress when the body absorbs more heat than it can dispel (see Treatment). Prompt action will avoid the serious or even fatal consequences of fully-developed heat stroke. At most risk are young children; the elderly; those with alcohol, weight, or health problems; and people on medications/drugs which have a drying effect, or reduce perspiration. Seek medical advice in all such cases.

AVOIDING HEAT STRESS

• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, porous clothes and a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid strenuous activities.
• Drink 2 to 3 litres of water per day, even if not thirsty.
• Do not have alcoholic or carbonated soft drinks.
• Do not take salt tablets unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Avoid heavy protein foods (eg meat, dairy products, etc) which raise body heat and increase fluid loss.
• Keep your home cool with curtains, shutters, or awnings on the sunny sides and leave windows open at night.
• If you don't have air conditioning, use fans and damp towels etc to stay cool. Have frequent cool showers.
• Spend as much time as possible in air conditioned buildings (eg shopping centres, galleries, museums etc).
• Avoid direct sunlight if possible. Use strong sunscreen as sunburn limits the body's ability to cope with heat.
• Do not leave children (or pets) in parked vehicles.
• If you suffer chronic illness or feel unwell, see a doctor.
• Give animals access to shade and plenty of water.

• Heavy sweating, tired and thirsty.
• Irritability, loss of appetite.
• Prickly heat rash, nausea. Muscle spasms/twitching, moist cool skin.
• Painful muscle cramps (limbs & abdomen).

• Drink more water.
• Have a cold shower/bath.
• Lie in a cool place with legs supported and slightly elevated.
• Massage muscles gently to ease spasms, or firmly if cramped, then apply ice packs and drink glucose (eg cordial).
• Don't have salt.

• Profuse sweating.
• Cold, clammy, pale skin.
• Fatigue, weakness and restlessness.
• Headache and vomiting.
• Weak, but rapid pulse.
• Poor co-ordination.
• Normal temperature, but faintness.

• Confusion, headache, nausea, dizziness.
• Skin flushed, hot and usually dry.
• Dry swollen tongue.
• High body temperature (40 C+).
• Rapid, strong pulse at first, then weaker.
• Deep unconsciousness may develop rapidly.

• Seek medical assistance urgently.
• In the meantime: Lay victim in cool as above and remove outer clothing.
• If unconscious, check airway and breathing.
• Cool victim quickly, applying cold water, or wrap in a wet sheet and fan them (keep wet).
• When conscious also give sips of water.