Preventing heat illness
Anna Colwell
Deputy Chief Health Officer
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
This summer is predicted to be hot. With a little sprinkling of extra hot.
When it is hot, some people can get sick from the heat, or it can make their usual medical conditions worse. This can happen to anyone but some people are more likely to be affected. Your body might not be able to cool you down as well if you are a child, older person, have certain medical conditions or if you are taking certain medications that make you lose fluid or stop you sweating. Talk to your GP if you think that might be you.
People are also more likely to get unwell from the heat if they are not used to it or there are several hot days in a row without it cooling down much at night. If you have had a prior heat illness you need to be extra careful, as you are more likely to get unwell with a heat illness again.
Beating the heat
There are lots of ways to keep from overheating:
- Drink enough: Drink plenty of water, often. You need more than you think on a hot day. Avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol.
- Avoid getting hot: Eat cold foods. Get enough rest. Wear lightweight clothing. Stay indoors with a fan or air-conditioning. Keep curtains closed and block the hot air from sneaking in under doors. When outdoors stay in the shade, away from hot surfaces.
- Cool down: Suck on ice cubes, put your feet in a bowl of cold water, use a fan, visit an air-conditioned library or shopping centre, take a cool shower or bath, find a cool breeze.
- Avoid the sun: Keep out of the sun in the hottest parts of the day. If you can, exercise in cooler times of the day. If you have a job that involves outdoor activity, schedule in some extra breaks to drink and cool down.
- Look after others: Check if people around you are OK. Don’t forget your pets! They will need extra fluids and a cool place to rest.
- Be careful in cars: Cars in direct sunlight can heat up very fast. Never leave kids or pets or alone in a car.
Getting overheated?
Go to a cool place and drink plenty of fluids if you notice a heat rash, muscle cramps, mild headache, tiredness or grumpiness, not going to the toilet as much as usual, thirstiness, feeling a bit sick or dizzy, or getting light-headed when you stand up. On a hot day, these are usually signs of dehydration, heat stress or heat exhaustion.
You may also need to put wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath. Seek medical help if you don’t get better or feel worse.
Call 000 if you or someone near you has signs of heat stroke. This happens when the body can no longer cool itself and overheats, which can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.
Heat stroke is an emergency! People with heat stroke may be confused, very irritable or have slurred speech. They will usually have hot, dry, red skin. A headache, feeling sick and vomiting is common, as is a fast heartbeat and breathing.
While waiting for an ambulance, try and get the person into a cool place, remove unnecessary clothing and place cool cloths on them. If they are unconscious, give first aid as appropriate.
Assistance in staying cool
For those who have medically required cooling (or heating) needs, DVA has an annual Essential Medical Equipment Payment. You – or the person you care for – needs to have a specified medical condition, have it certified by your doctor, be contributing to energy costs at an Australian residence and have one of the following: a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Veteran Gold or White Card.
You can find more information about what medical conditions are included and how to apply on the DVA website or call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).
Australian residents who are receiving an income support payment, such as a service pension or permanent impairment payment, may be eligible for a fortnightly or quarterly Energy Supplement Payment. The Energy Supplement is automatically paid fortnightly to eligible people, but can be paid quarterly on request. If you would like to choose between fortnightly or quarterly payments, please contact DVA.
Stay cool and enjoy your summer!