Home  >  For residents  >  ...  >  Heatwaves Heatwaves South-east Queensland 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 young children, the elderly, people with alcohol, weight or health problems, and people on medication/drugs with a dehydrating effect. Avoiding 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 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 What to do if you suffer heat stress symptoms Unusual discomfort and heat cramps 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), then apply ice 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 clothing 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 degree C or above) Rapid strong pulse at first, then weaker Deep unconsciousness may develop rapidly Treatment: Seek 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, applying cold water, or wrap in a wet sheet and fan them (keep wet) When conscious, give sips of water.