Types of heat related illnesses
Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps that can occur on their own or with other heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion. Lay the person in the shade, remove outer clothing, provide cool water and fan vigorously to increase evaporation.
Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that can develop into heat stroke. It is sometimes suffered by people new to Queensland's hot climate. A person with heat exhaustion may complain of weakness, nausea and/or giddiness, may look pale and be breathless. The skin is usually wet from sweating.
Lay the person in the shade, remove outer clothing, provide cool water and fan vigorously to increase evaporation.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency, caused by a rise in core body temperature. A person suffering heat stroke becomes confused, and may stagger or collapse. The skin may be either dry or wet.
Call an ambulance and apply urgent first aid. Remove outer clothing, wet the skin and fan vigorously to increase evaporation.
Prickly heat is an intense, itchy red skin rash. It is caused by a blockage of the sweat ducts from prolonged wetting of the skin. Treat by keeping the skin cool and dry, wearing suitable clothing and avoiding hot work.
Heat fainting occurs when blood vessels (particularly in the legs) dilate in order to increase heat transfer to the skin and cause reduced return blood flow to the heart. This response temporarily reduces blood flow to the brain, which can cause a person to faint.
If a person faints, lay him/her in the shade, remove outer clothing, provide cool water and fan vigorously to increase evaporation.
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