Know the signs of heatstroke

Ensure you know the symptoms of heatstroke, a life-threatening condition.

Transcript

00:00Heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster.

00:05In fact, Australia's most deadly natural disaster was the 2009 heat wave,

00:11which killed 400 people across Victoria and South Australia.

00:16In hot weather, your body's ability to cool itself can fail,

00:21which could lead to heat stroke.

00:24Heat stroke is linked to death or permanent damage to vital organs.

00:29It typically occurs when the body temperature rises to over 40 degrees Celsius.

00:36Some symptoms include fast, shallow breathing,

00:40a dry, swollen tongue, intense thirst,

00:43headaches, muscle twitching, nausea or vomiting,

00:47rapid or weak pulse, dizziness and confusion.

00:52Aggressive or strange behaviour and problems concentrating

00:56and coordinating movements are also signs of heat stroke.

01:00Some people may experience profuse sweating,

01:03while others have hot, dry skin.

01:06If you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke,

01:10it's important to call 000 immediately.

01:14While waiting for an ambulance, move them to a cooler area

01:17and avoid giving them aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol,

01:22as it could be harmful.

01:24If they can, they should drink small sips of water.

01:28Lay them down and elevate their feet and cool them down however you can,

01:33such as with cold cloths or ice packs.

01:36Vulnerable people such as children, the elderly

01:40and people with chronic illnesses are more at risk of heat stroke.