The Bureau of Metereology has forecast extremely hot weather in South Australia and Victoria over the next few days.
We’re taking this opportunity to remind you to look after yourself, and others around you as the temperature is expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
Stay cool and stay alert
One of the best things you can do in extreme heat is stay inside where it is cool. Babies, young children, older people and people with a disability relating to temperature regulation are all at higher risk of heat-related illness like heatstroke. If a friend, family member, consumer or participant you are with appears unwell, please call for medical assistance straight away.
Being prepared is important
When extreme heat is forecast, make sure you have enough supplies so you can stay indoors out of the heat. Having bottled water, food and other items on hand will help. If you have pets, don’t forget to keep enough supplies at home for them too.
We always recommend keeping an emergency kit stocked and ready. Ideally, your emergency kit will contain a torch, batteries, candles, matches and a first aid kit.
Check in on your neighbours
During periods of extreme heat, it’s a good idea to stay in touch with neighbours, relatives and friends to make sure they are ok. A quick phone call can help make sure they are not isolated, and are managing the heat.
Managing heatstroke
If you think someone has heatstroke, SA Health advise that you call 000 immediately for an ambulance.
While waiting for the ambulance to arrive:
• move the person to somewhere cooler if possible and keep them still
• loosen their clothes, sprinkle the person with water, or wrap them in a damp sheet
• place damp cloths under their armpits, on the back of their neck and on their forehead to cool them down as quickly as possible
• use a fan if one is available, or hand-fan with a book, or something similar
• do not give aspirin or paracetamol to a person affected by heat
If conscious try to keep the person calm. Stay with them until the ambulance arrives. Give them small sips of water or fruit juice.
If unconscious, check the person’s airway for breathing and monitor pulse rate until the ambulance arrives.
Further resources
SA Health have a range of fact sheets about staying healthy in the heat translated into different languages and you can access them here.
Need to talk?
We are open 24/7 and you can always reach us on 1300 764 433.