Heat Stress

A Federal Government Report released in May 2011 reports a significant increase over the past decade in the number of high temperature extremes (e.g. heatwaves) in Australia and a decrease in the number of low temperature extremes. It also describes the Earth as a whole has been warming strongly since the middle of the 20th century, including an increase in warm nights across most of Australia.

Uncomfortable hot weather can impact human and animal health. Prolonged exposure can cause cramps, heat exhaustion and potentially heart attacks and strokes. Heatwaves can also cause disruption to power supply, public transport and services.

Vulnerable members of our community are most at risk, including: 

  • older people, in particular those living alone; and
  • babies and young children

Other people who may also be at risk include

  • pregnant and breast feeding women;
  • people exercising vigorously;
  • people on medication which may interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature or those with a health condition which impairs sweating;
  • a person suffering chronic or mental illness or those with limited or poor mobility and
  • those with excess body weight

Symptoms of heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when someone becomes dehydrated due to loss of water from working in poorly ventilated conditions or exercising.

  • muscle cramps, especially in calves and toes
  • exhaustion and general weakness
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • dizzy spells
  • pale, cool, clammy skin at first, becoming flushed and red later
  • a rapid and weak pulse and noisy breathing

What to do:

  • Help the person to lie down at total rest in a cool area
  • Loosen any tight clothing
  • If fully alert and conscious, give them frequent small drinks of water or ice chips to suck
  • If muscle cramps occur, gently stretch the affected muscles to ease pain
  • Check vital signs at regular intervals
  • If unconscious or not fully conscious, place in the recovery position
  • If the person is unable to drink, vomiting or unconscious, call 000 for an ambulance (or 112 from a mobile)
  • Prepare to give CPR, if necessary

Symptoms of heat stroke

Heat stroke is more serious than heat exhaustion. It means the body cannot cool down by sweating. The body temperature rises and organ damage can occur.

  • No longer sweating
  • Red, hot and dry skin 
  • A body temperature over 40°C
  • A rapid and strong pulse
  • Rapid and noisy breathing
  • Irrational or aggressive behaviour
  • Losing consciousness

What to do:

  • Call 000 for an ambulance (or 112 from a mobile)
  • Cool the person using wet towels or a wet sheet with a fan directed across the surface
  • If ice packs are available, wrap them in towels and place them in the armpits or groin
  • If shivering occurs, stop active cooling
  • Check vital signs at regular intervals
  • If unconscious or not fully conscious, place in the recovery position
  • Prepare to give CPR, if necessary

Indirect impacts to your health

Arboviruses

Arboviruses are viruses transmitted by insects. Climate change has the potential to increase insect borne illnesses in Australia as warmer weather promotes survival and breeding of insects, such as mosquitos.

Respiratory Diseases

Photochemical smog formation is favoured in warmer temperatures which may make respiratory diseases such as asthma more prevalent. Climate change may also increase the concentration of air borne pollutants, such as pollen, bushfire smoke and fossil fuel pollutants.

Further Information