People at risk of heat-related health problems
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
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In very hot weather, anyone can be at risk of heat-related illness.
If you or someone else feels unwell during hot weather, move to a cool place and drink water.
If symptoms do not improve, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice from a registered nurse or speak with your healthcare provider.
Older people
People aged 65 years and over may be more at risk because the body becomes less able to regulate temperature.
Certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, dementia, kidney disease, heart disease) can also increase risk.
Babies and children
Babies and young children are more vulnerable to heat because their bodies cannot regulate temperature as effectively as adults.
Learn about caring for babies and children in hot weather.
Pregnant and breastfeeding people
Pregnant and breastfeeding people need extra fluids and energy to stay healthy. They are more likely to become dehydrated if they are not eating and drinking enough in hot weather.
When the body gets hot, more blood flows to the skin to help cool it. This can reduce blood flow to the placenta, which provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
High body temperature can directly affect pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
People with medical conditions
Some medical conditions and treatments can affect hydration or the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
People with chronic medical conditions such as dementia, delirium and mental health may also need additional support to maintain hydration and stay cool.
People who take certain medications
Some medications can increase the risk of heat-related illness, including (but not limited to):
- allergy medicines (antihistamines)
- blood pressure and heart medications (beta-blockers)
- fluid tablets (diuretics)
- anti-depressant or anti-psychotic medications.
If you are unsure, speak with your healthcare provider before or during periods of extreme heat.
People with an alcohol or other drug problem
People who use alcohol or other drugs may be less aware of dehydration or heat stress because their senses are affected.
Some drugs can also increase body temperature or affect the body’s ability to regulate heat.
People with disability or additional needs
People with disability or additional needs may require support to recognise symptoms, access fluids or move to cooler environments.
Carers, family members and support workers can help reduce risk during hot weather.
People who work or spend time outdoors
People who work or spend long periods outdoors are more exposed to heat and may be at higher risk of dehydration and heat-related illness.
Extra care is needed during extreme heat, including regular breaks, access to shade and drinking water.
More information
Check your heat risk using the University of Sydney's HeatWatch Calculator.
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If you or someone else feels unwell during hot weather, move to a cool place and drink water.
If symptoms do not improve, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice from a registered nurse or speak with your healthcare provider.
Watch Martin's story
I remember waking up in the hospital and I didn’t understand what happened.
The doctor told me I was lucky Claire called 000 when she did because I almost had heat stroke.
Seriously? I spent 40+ years working in the mines on days hotter than this!
The doctor explained that our bodies can’t get too hot or too cold. Lots of sweating can cause dehydration. If we’re not maintaining our fluid intake, we can get heat exhaustion. If we can’t cool down, we can get heat stroke.
Heat can worsen other medical conditions which can put you in the hospital before you even get heat stroke.
Turns out heatwaves are Australia’s most deadly natural disaster. I didn’t know that.
As we age, its harder for our body to cool and harder to feel higher temperatures. We might not realise we’re at risk until it is too late.
During heat stress, our body needs to send blood to our skin to cool down as the sweat evaporates. But as we age, we produce less sweat and have less automatic control of our blood vessels expanding, reducing blood to flow to the skin.
Our heart also can't pump as much blood with each heartbeat. The body has to prioritise maintaining blood pressure and supplying blood to vital organs instead of sending blood to the skin to cool. When internal temperatures reach over 40C, this is 'heat stroke'.
I had no idea. But since then I’ve learned a lot about my health and how serious heat can be. Now, I’m prepared for the heat.”
For more information, visit www.climate-ethos.com