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Heatwaves on the Sunshine Coast
Southeast Queensland, especially The Sunshine Coast enjoys a long, hot summer, but with our fine weather comes the danger of heatwaves. Heatwaves are perhaps our most under-rated natural hazard. In Australia during the 20th century, they caused more deaths than any other natural hazard.
Every summer people suffer from heat stress when the body absorbs more heat than it can dispel. Prompt action will avoid the potentially fatal effects of fully developed heat stroke. Most at risk are the young children, the elderly, people with alcohol, weight or health problems, and people on medication/drugs with a dehydrating effect.
How to avoid heat stress
• Wear lightweight, light coloured, loose porous and natural fibre clothes.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Drink two to three litres of water per day, even if not thirsty.
• Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated or soft drinks.
• Don’t take salt tablets unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Avoid heavy protein foods (meat, dairy products), which increase body heat and fluid loss.
• Keep your home cool with curtains, shutters or awnings.
• Open windows at night.
• Use fans, damp clothing and have frequent cool showers if you don’t have air conditioning.
• Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen in the sun.
• If you work outside, keep your hat and clothing damp.
• Don’t leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
• Keep animals in the shade with plenty of water. 
If you feel ill, see a doctor
cont..
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What to do if you suffer heat stress symptoms……..
Unusual discomfort and heat champs
Symptoms
• Heavy sweating, tired, thirsty
• Irritable, loss of appetite
• Prickly heat rash, nausea
• Muscle spasms/twitching, cramps
Treatment
• Drink more water
• Have a cold shower/bath
• Lie in a cool place with legs supported and slightly elevated
• Massage muscles gently to ease spasms (or firmly if cramped), packs
• Drink glucose (eg. Cordial)
• Do not have salt
Heat exhaustion
Symptoms
• Profuse sweating
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Fatigue, weakness and restlessness
• Headache and vomiting
• Weak but rapid pulse
• Poor circulation Normal temperature but faintness
Treatment
• Treatment-lay victim down in a cool place as above and loosen clothes
• Apply wet cloths to head and body
• Fan, or move victim to an air-conditioned area.
• Give sips of cold water.
• If vomiting continues, seek medical assistance immediately.
Heatstroke
Symptoms
• Confusion, headache, nausea, dizziness
• Skin flushed, hot and unusually dry
• Dry, swollen tongue
• High body temperature (40 degrees C or above)
• Rapid strong pulse at first, them weaker
• Deep unconsciousness may develop rapidly
Treatment
• Seel medical assistance urgently
• In the meantime, lay victim in a cool place as above and remove outer clothing
• If unconscious, check airway and breathing
• Cool victim quickly, apply cold water, or wrap in a wet sheet and fan them…(keep wet)
• When conscious, give sips of water
Public Health Fact Sheet Available Here.
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/phs/Documents/cphun/12667.pdf |
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