Emergency departments and medical centres across south-east Australia are experiencing a significant surge in heat-related illnesses as temperatures continue to reach near-record highs. This alarming trend is placing immense pressure on healthcare professionals and highlighting the severe health risks associated with extreme weather events. The situation has been exacerbated in some areas by power outages during critical heat periods. In Melbourne, one major hospital reported a 25 per cent increase in potentially fatal heat-related presentations overnight as temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius. This indicates a critical need for public awareness and preparedness for such conditions.
The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s director of emergency medicine, Mark Putland, described the issues as “really acute.” He noted that the increase in overnight presentations was likely due to people struggling to cope with the intense heat, leading to illness and the need for medical care. The demographic affected is broad, including the elderly, those without air conditioning, outdoor workers, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
How to avoid heatstroke and when to call Triple Zero is a crucial question many are now asking. Direct exposure to extreme heat can overwhelm the body’s natural cooling mechanisms. This can lead to heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heatstroke, a life-threatening condition where the body’s core temperature rises dangerously high and it loses its ability to cool itself.
Similar patterns are being observed in Sydney, where conditions are expected to worsen. St Vincent’s Hospital’s acting director of emergency, Gonzalo Aguirrebarrena, highlighted the vulnerability of elderly patients who may not stay adequately hydrated. Babies, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health issues like kidney or heart disease are also at heightened risk. A concerning observation is that even healthy and fit individuals can become vulnerable if they underestimate the risks and continue strenuous activities during peak heat hours.
NSW Health reported that between Wednesday and Thursday, 33 people presented to emergency departments with heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, sunstroke, and heat exhaustion. These high temperatures can significantly worsen existing health conditions such as heart, kidney, and respiratory diseases, diabetes, and mental health issues, leading to hospital admissions.
Dr. Kavita Varshney, Deputy Director of Emergency Medicine at Westmead Hospital, pointed out that the impact of heat isn’t always directly recorded. Complex conditions exacerbated by high temperatures might be logged under their primary ailment, such as a cardiac or kidney issue, rather than being directly attributed to heat. Despite this, Westmead’s emergency department has seen an increase in patient numbers, with staff prioritizing care based on urgency.
SA Health indicated at least 49 heat-related presentations from Tuesday to Thursday, with numbers expected to rise as more data becomes available. Emergency health workers provide immediate care for heat stroke, which can involve sedation to minimize muscle activity, active cooling methods like misting with water, applying wet sheets, and using fans. In severe cases, more aggressive interventions are necessary to lower the body’s dangerously high temperature.
For those in rural and regional areas, the conditions are often even more challenging. Dr. Saji John, a Port Augusta GP, described unprecedented situations, with car dashboards registering temperatures as high as 49 degrees Celsius. He has treated patients for dehydration leading to kidney injury and nosebleeds caused by the extreme heat. These remote communities often lack access to adequate cooling facilities and healthcare resources.
Disadvantaged communities are bearing the brunt of this heatwave, facing a “cruel reality” where they must choose between essential needs like food and cooling their homes. This highlights a systemic issue where those most vulnerable are least able to afford protection from extreme weather. The Australian Council of Social Services is calling for urgent support to address these disparities.
In places like Marble Bar, known as Australia’s hottest town, adapting to the heat involves more than just air conditioning. In-home care providers are implementing heatwave response plans to identify and prioritize high-risk clients, particularly those with limited access to cooling, chronic medical conditions, or taking medications that affect thermoregulation.
Understanding the factors that contribute to heat risk is essential. Temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius can be dangerous, especially with high humidity. In dry heat, temperatures exceeding 40 degrees pose a significant health threat. The concept of wet-bulb temperature, which considers both air temperature and humidity, is crucial as it determines how effectively sweat can evaporate and cool the body.
Heat Watch, a tool developed by researchers, helps individuals assess their risk by factoring in outdoor air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, and personal information. This data-driven approach can empower individuals and communities to take proactive measures against the dangers of extreme heat.
The overwhelming surge in heat-related illnesses across south-east Australia underscores the urgent need for public health initiatives, improved infrastructure for cooling, and targeted support for vulnerable populations during extreme weather events. Preparedness and awareness are key to mitigating the severe health consequences of soaring temperatures.
