Staying Safe During Extreme Temperatures
Australia’s summer brings extreme temperatures, including heatwaves. As Australian summer’s become more volatile, it becomes increasingly important to take steps to keep…
Australia’s summer brings extreme temperatures, including heatwaves. As Australian summer’s become more volatile, it becomes increasingly important to take steps to keep yourself cool and hydrated.
States across the country have currently received severe to extreme heatwave warnings as firefighters face intense conditions in country Victoria, and some parts of the country currently experience 40+ degree weather. In these conditions, it is easy to become severely dehydrated and overheat – increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Potentially harmful to anyone, and heat stroke can be fatal for vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly and people who are pregnant.
How Hot Is Too Hot?
Generally speaking, temperatures over 32 degrees celsius in high humidity, and temperatures over 40 degrees celsius in dry heat is considered dangerous. To be considered a heatwave, temperatures have to be consistently high for three days, without the typical temperature drop during the evening/nightfall.
Heatwaves are especially dangerous for the elderly, pregnant women, people with illnesses, and people whose work involves significant time outdoors.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion is when the body’s temperature rises and takes too long to cool down. If the body’s temperature does not revert down to normal levels, heat exhaustion can quickly become heat stroke.
Heat stroke is the most intense form of heat exhaustion, and occurs when the body cannot cool down. In extreme temperatures, heat stroke can come on suddenly and without warning, and the body’s internal temperature can rise dangerously to 40 degrees celsius.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke is highly dangerous and can be fatal, and requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fainting and weakness
- Lack of sweating
- Brain dysfunction including confusion and aggression.
Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke can also cause significant brain dysfunction, causing confusion, agitation and even aggression. The longer the body temperature remains high, the increased likelihood of complications and permanent damage.
If you suspect that you or someone else may be suffering from heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention.
While you wait for help to arrive, it is important you do everything you can to cool the body down. The faster your body temperature drops to normal, the better the chances of recovery.
First Aid For Heat Stroke
- Call for medical assistance
- Move the patient indoors or into the shade – away from the heat of the sun
- Pour cool water onto the patient’s skin and fan them
- Soak a towel in ice water and apply to the skin, covering as much of the skin’s surface as possible
- Apply ice packs to the patients armpits and neck
Do not give any fever-reducing medications, or force fluids due to the risk of aspiration (inhalation of the liquid), which may lead to choking.
How To Avoid Heat Stroke
The most effective way to avoid heat stroke is to stay cool and stay hydrated.
Stay Cool
When temperatures rise, simply staying indoors may not be enough to avoid heat exhaustion. The below tips can help you to prevent discomfort, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Keep Your Home Cool
Most modern houses are fitted with cooling systems, and some state governments will soon require rented houses to provide air conditioning, as Australia experiences an increase in extreme temperatures.
If you do not have access to air conditioning, use electric fans.
Close curtains and blinds, and limit the use of ovens and stoves, as these can heat up the home.
When the temperatures drop, open windows and doors to allow warm air to escape, and cooler air to flow into your home.
Keep Your Body Cool
Wear light, loose fitting clothing
Apply cool packs, or crushed ice wrapped in a damp towel, over your neck and shoulders.
Take cool baths and showers, or place your feet into a tub or bucket of cool water. You can also spray yourself with cool, clean water from a spray bottle, or sponge with a damp cloth.
Limit exercise and physical activity, or do these activities in the cooler parts of the day; early in the morning or in the cooler part of the evening.
Stay Hydrated
During warm weather, it’s important to drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you have a unique medical condition that requires you to monitor or limit water intake, talk to your doctor about how much water you can drink.
Do not replace water with alcohol or sugary drinks. Alcohol and sugar raise the risk of dehydration.
Always have a water bottle on hand when you are on the move, especially outdoors.
In extreme heat, everyday tasks can be become harmful and even fatal. It’s vital to make intentional changes to your routine to keep yourself cool and hydrated.
Learn more about staying safe during extreme weather events at the Queensland Government website, https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/environmental/heatsafe/how-to-keep-cool.
