A-Z of Public Health Topics
Heat health
Heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster. Very hot weather can make anyone sick and can cause heatstroke.
Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy warmer weather, but extreme heat and heatwaves can be life-threatening for some people. Over 80% of people who develop heatstroke will die.
What is extreme heat and heatwaves?
Extreme heat is very hot weather that can make people sick. A heatwave occurs when the weather is unusually hot for an area, often lasting for three days or more in a row.
Who can be most affected by heat?
Heat can affect everyone, but some people are at higher risk, including:
- People over 65 years
- Babies and young children
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- People who have existing medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes or mental illness
- People who work or exercise outdoors during a heatwave
- People who live alone
Signs you might be sick from heat
Heat can make your body very hot and tired. Heat can cause heat exhaustion which can lead to heatstroke. Heatstroke is very dangerous.
Know the signs and what to do to stay safe from heat-related sickness.
Heat exhaustion
Symptoms:
- Sweating
- Looking pale
- Fast pulse
- Muscle cramps or weakness
- Dizziness or headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
What to do:
- Lie down in a cool area
- Drink cool water if not vomiting
- Use a fan or air-conditioning
- Remove outer clothing
- Wet skin with cool water or a wet cloth
- Call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 or visit an Urgent Care Clinic
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency – call Triple Zero (000)
Symptoms:
- Body feels very hot
- Red, hot, dry skin (no sweating)
- Dry swollen tongue
- Fast pulse
- Dizziness or headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Collapse
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness.
What to do:
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately and follow the advice of the call taker
- Move the person to a cool, shady place and lay them down
- Remove extra clothing and wet their skin with water or wrap in wet cloths. Keep fanning them
- Give cool water to drink if conscious and able to swallow. Do not give the person fluids to drink if they’re unconscious
- If the person is unconscious, put them on their side and make sure they are breathing normally. Do CPR if needed
- Check their body temperature if possible. Keep cooling until it drops below 38°C Restart cooling if it begins to rise again
- See further advice from Triple Zero, ambulance or hospital emergency staff, while waiting for the ambulance
How to stay safe in the heat
Plan ahead
- Check the Bureau of Meteorology heat warnings often
- Sign up to the HeatWatch service and App
- Subscribe to Heat Health Alerts from the Department of Health
Keep cool
- Use air conditioning and fans if possible.
- Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and sunscreen.
- Use wet towels, put your feet in cool water and take cool (not cold) showers.
- Avoid intense activity like exercise
Drink water
- Keep a drink bottle with you and take small sips of water often, even if you don’t feel thirsty
Check in on others
- Keep an eye on older people, those living alone, children and people with a medical condition
- Call or visit them at least once on any extreme heat day
- Encourage them to drink plenty of water
- If you see symptoms of heat sickness, get medical help
Hot cars can kill
- Never leave kids, older people or pets in a parked car – the temperature can double in minutes
- Sign up to the HeatWatch service and App
- Subscribe to Heat Health Alerts from the Department of Health
Resources
Stay aware of hot weather and strong sun. For more information on the weather, see:
- Victorian seven-day forecast – Bureau of Meteorology
- Heatwave forecast – Bureau of Meteorology
- UV alert – Cancer Council.
You can also register for Heat Health Alerts from the Department of Health.
Knowing the early signs of heat-related health problems and acting quickly is important. In an emergency, always call 000. For non-life-threatening emergencies, see your GP or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
Last updated: 27 January 2026