The following statement may be attributed to Central West Hospital and Health Service Executive Director of Medical Services Dr David Walker.
Extreme heat causes more deaths than any other natural disaster in Australia and can affect anyone.
It can also make existing medical conditions worse and can cause heat-related illness.
Community members are strongly urged to look after their own health and safety and to check in on those family, friends and neighbours who may be more prone to heat-related illness to make sure they are okay.
These include the elderly, infants, overweight and obese people, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with some pre-existing health conditions.
If you’re working outside, be sure to take precautions to ensure you keep cool. For instance, work for 15–20 minutes, then rehydrate and cool off for 5–10 minutes before resuming.
If at all possible, avoid working outside during any extreme heat conditions.
Drink plenty of fluids and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink – drink regularly throughout the day – unless you have a specific condition and are under doctor’s orders to restrict fluid intake.
Urine colour is a good guide to hydration – it should be clear to light straw-colour, not dark or gold.
And remember, never, ever, leave children, or animals, or anyone, unattended in cars in the heat. Temperatures can rise very rapidly and can be fatal in a surprisingly short period of time.
For more information: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/environmental/heatsafe