Extreme Heat

With weather reaching over 40 degree Celsius this week. It's time to not only activating your bush fire survival plan, but extreme heat plan.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before feeling thirsty, especially if outdoors or exercising.

• Plan Ahead: Schedule activities for cooler parts of the day and avoid exercising or being outdoors during peak heat.

  
  

• Check Weather: Monitor the weather forecast and heatwave warnings to stay informed about potential heat risks.

  
  

• Use Air Conditioning: If available, use air conditioning to cool your indoor environment protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

  
  

• Stay Connected: Communicate with family, friends, and neighbours to ensure their safety during extreme heat.

  
  

• Prepare for Emergencies: Have a plan for emergencies, including a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit, to ensure you have access to food, water, and medications.

  
  

• Monitor Health: Keep an eye on your health and that of others, especially those more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

  
  

• Seek Shade: Find shaded areas to rest and avoid direct sunlight exposure.

  
  

• Wear Sun Protection: Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to shield

  
  

  By following these guidelines, you can help protect yourself and others from the dangers of extreme heat events.

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the body doesn’t have enough fluid to carry out its normal functions.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Thirst

• Dry mouth

• Passing less urine than usual

• Dark or strong-smelling urine

• Dizziness or headache

• Irritability or difficultly thinking clearly.

First aid for dehydration due to heat includes:

• Move to a cool area and rest.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Remove unnecessary clothing.

• Cool down by wetting the skin with cool water.

• See a doctor if there is no improvement or you are concerned.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that can progress to heatstroke. It can occur when core body temperature rises to 38-39°C.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating

• Pale skin

• Muscle cramps

• Weakness

• Dizziness, headache

• Nausea, vomiting

• Fainting

• Rapid pulse.

First aid for heat exhaustion includes:

• Seek immediate medical assistance by calling Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 for 24-hour health advice, transporting the person to a doctor or emergency department, or contacting the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department– for non-life-threatening emergencies.

• Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance if medical care is unavailable, the person is not improving or if you think they could have heatstroke.

• Get the person to a cool area and lay them down.

• Remove excess clothing including shoes and socks.

• Cool the person down: Wet their skin with cool water, fan continuously, apply a cool, damp sponge or cloth, or apply ice packs or crushed ice in a damp towel on the neck, groin or armpits. If they are able, have the person take a cool shower or bath.

• Encourage frequent sips of cool water.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke can occur when the core body temperature rises above 40 °C and blood flow to internal organs is restricted. Many organs in the body suffer damage and the body temperature must be reduced quickly.

Heatstroke may appear similar to heat exhaustion, but the skin may be dry with no sweating and the person may appear confused or agitated. Signs and symptoms include:

• Confusion or agitation

• Loss of consciousness

• Profuse sweating or hot, dry skin

• Muscle twitching or seizures

• Rapid breathing

• Rapid pulse

• Very high body temperature.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires urgent attention:

• Call Triple Zero (000) immediately for an ambulance.

• While waiting for emergency medical help, get the person to a cool, shady area and lay them down. Have someone stay with the person.

• Remove excess clothing including shoes and socks.

• Cool the person as quickly as possible: wet their skin with cool water, fan continuously, apply a cool, damp sponge or cloth, apply ice packs or crushed ice in a damp towel on the neck, groin or armpits.

• Give the person cool water to drink if they are fully conscious and able to swallow.

• Position an unconscious person on their side and ensure they are breathing normally. If needed, perform CPR. Wait for the ambulance to urgently transport the person to hospital

• If medical attention is delayed, seek further instructions from Triple Zero, ambulance or hospital emergency staff, while waiting for the ambulance.

Heat cramps

Heat cramp symptoms include muscle pains or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs.

Cramps may occur after strenuous activity in a hot environment, when the body gets depleted of salt and water.

Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

First aid for heat cramps includes:

• Rest in a cool place.

• Increase fluid intake.

• Rest a few hours before returning to activity.

• Seek medical help if there is no improvement, the person affected is unwell or if you are concerned, by calling Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 for 24-hour health advice, seeing your doctor or contacting the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department – for non-life-threatening emergencies.