As a prolonged heat wave grips Australia this week, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is encouraging the public to prioritise hydration, rest indoors, and check in on people more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
It comes following the Bureau of Meteorology warning of a multi-day heatwave covering more than half of the country with temperatures forecast to exceed 45 degrees Celsius in some areas, sparking extreme fire danger.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said that high temperatures pose many health risks.
“Heat waves can be deadly, and the Bureau of Meteorology has warned that this promises to be the ‘most significant’ heatwave south-eastern Australia has seen in six years,” he said.
“My advice for all Australians is to drink plenty of water, try to stay indoors if possible during those peak UV hours of 11am to 3pm, and remember to ‘slip, slop, slap’, It’ also important to check in on friends and family members who are more vulnerable to the impact of heat waves, including older people."
Dr Wright warned again complacency.
“As Australians, we’re accustomed to hot weather; however, we must not underestimate the serious health effects that can occur – even for young and healthy people,” he said.
“Heat waves have caused the most hospitalisations related to extreme weather over the last decade, and the risk of hospitalisation increases with age.
“Almost one third of hospitalisations relating to extreme heat occur in people aged 65 and over. Keep in mind though that it’s not only older patients who can experience severe health issues when temperatures rise. If someone cannot seek reprieve from soaring temperatures this can place an enormous strain on their body.
“So, please spread the word to people in your life - stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay indoors if you can.
“At the same time, please make sure to check in on people in your life to ensure they’re okay. This includes not only older patients, but also infants, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as people with chronic disease and those with conditions that may impair sweating.”
Last year, Queensland Health and RACGP collaborated on the Primary Care Guide to Heat Health Management to help GPs and practice teams care for patients and staff during extreme heat conditions.
~ENDS
RACGP spokespeople are available for interviews: 03 8699 0992 / [email protected].
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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the peak representative organisation for general practice, the backbone of Australia’s health system. We set the standards for general practice, facilitate lifelong learning for GPs, connect the general practice community, and advocate for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.
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