If someone has signs of heatstroke, such as confusion, slurred speech, fainting or a seizure, call 000 straight away.
Hot days are on the way in Victoria. Extreme heat can affect anybody, but some people are more at risk, and planning ahead can make a real difference. This guide draws on advice from the Victorian Department of Health's Better Health Channel.
Who is more at risk?
According to Better Health, people at higher risk include:
- people over 65
- babies and young children
- pregnant women
- people with existing medical conditions, and people taking certain medications
- people who live alone or are socially isolated
- people who have limited ways to keep cool, and people experiencing homelessness.
Many people with disability fit one or more of these groups. Some people also find it hard to notice they're overheating or to tell others, so carers and support workers play an important role.
Signs of heat exhaustion
Watch for heavy sweating, pale skin, thirst, dizziness, weakness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, irritability and passing less urine than usual. Heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke.
What to do: move the person somewhere cool, have them lie down, loosen tight clothing, cool them with water or a damp cloth, and give small sips of water if they aren't vomiting. If symptoms get worse, call 000.
Signs of heatstroke: a medical emergency
Heatstroke affects how the brain works. Signs include confusion, agitation, slurred speech, unsteady walking, seizures or loss of consciousness, along with a very high temperature and hot, red, dry skin.
Call 000. While you wait, keep the person lying down somewhere cool with someone staying with them, and keep cooling them. Only give water if they're fully awake and can swallow. If they're unconscious, put them in the recovery position and check their breathing.
Simple ways to stay cool
- Stay out of the heat in the hottest part of the day and plan outings for cooler times.
- Drink water regularly, even if you're not thirsty. If a doctor limits how much you drink, ask them what to do in hot weather.
- Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothing.
- Use fans, air conditioning or a cool shower, or spend time in a cool public place such as a library.
- Ask a GP or pharmacist whether any medicines need extra care in the heat.
- Check in on family, friends and neighbours who live alone, at least once a day during a heatwave.
Plan ahead before summer
- Subscribe to heat health warnings from the Victorian Department of Health.
- Make a simple heat plan with the person you support: where they'll go to stay cool, who will check on them, and what to do if the power goes out.
- Keep medicines, equipment and any batteries stored as directed, and charge phones and devices before hot days.
- For health advice in Victoria at any time, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
How Nhanya Foundation can help
Nhanya Foundation isn't an emergency service. If you're worried about someone in an emergency, call 000. For non-urgent help, our advocacy and service navigation team can help people with disability, carers and families in Melbourne's west connect with services and plan ahead. Call 03 8595 9012 or make a referral.
In an emergency, call 000. For non-urgent help connecting with services, call Nhanya Foundation on 03 8595 9012 or make a referral.