Heat-related Illness
Much of life in Tropical North Queensland is dictated by climate.
When it’s hot, it’s time to:
- slow down and
- drink lots of water
or you run the risk of heat related illnesses.
Symptoms and treatment
There are three stages of heat illness - heat cramps, stress and stroke.
Heat cramps
Heat cramps occur in the limbs and abdomen, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, tiredness, dizziness, weakness and moist cool skin. If someone displays these symptoms, they should lie down in a cool place, apply an ice pack or wrapped ice to the muscles and give them water containing glucose to drink. Don’t give salt. Remember the ‘three R s’ - Rest, Recuperate and Re-hydrate.
Heat stress
Heat stress has the symptoms of heat cramps with rapid pulse or breathing, increased thirst, loss of appetite, lack of coordination, sweating and irritability. Treat as for heat cramps, loosen clothing and sponge the person with cold water.
Seek medical assistance if they don’t recover promptly.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is potentially lethal and can affect anyone. Flushed, dry skin, unconsciousness or seizures and a temperature of over 40° Celsius may be evident. People who have heat stroke, (and are conscious), may experience visual disturbances, irrational aggression, vomiting and dizziness. Remove unnecessary clothing, apply ice packs to large veins, fan and cool until the person is cold to touch, then stop.
Seek medical assistance and only give the person water if they are fully conscious.
Prevention – Rest and drink water
Heat related illness can be avoided if you drink plenty of water and ensure activity is in keeping with the climate. If it’s hot, rest regularly and stay cool.
It is important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration; at least eight glasses a day is recommended.
Don’t wait until you are thirsty before you drink and try to avoid extra salt as it makes dehydration worse. Diluted fruit juice, isotonic sports’ drinks, tea and low calorie soft drinks are good alternatives, but ordinary soft drinks are too high in sugar to meet your body’s need for water.
Alcohol increases urine output making you more dehydrated; it isn’t a healthy thirst quencher. If you are drinking alcohol, drink water before having any alcohol and make every second drink after that non-alcoholic.
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