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seniorfirstaid.com.au

Guide 4 of 5 · Heat

Heat and older people

If you are concerned that someone has heat stroke, call Triple Zero (000) immediately: NSW Health says heat stroke is extremely dangerous and can quickly threaten life. Heat exhaustion needs first aid too, because it can quickly develop into severe illness, and NSW Health’s steps for both are quoted whole below.

General information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). For more, see NSW Health’s page on heat-related illness.

Risk

Heat can reach people at home

Healthdirect says you can get heatstroke indoors or outdoors, and that your work environment or living situation may put you at higher risk. Heavy, dark clothing on hot days also makes heat illness more likely.

Healthdirect’s warning is plain: heatstroke can lead to permanent disability and death, may trigger sudden events such as a heart attack or a stroke, and can make existing medical conditions worse. It is more common in hot, humid weather, and healthdirect says it can be avoided by taking precautions in very hot weather.

NSW Health says: “if you are aged over 65, age-related changes to your body can also increase the risk of heat-related health problems. This can result in a serious medical incident if you already have an existing disease.”

The signs

Telling the two apart

Heat exhaustion

Healthdirect describes feeling very weak and dizzy, perhaps with a headache or nausea.

NSW Health says it can quickly develop into severe illness.

Heat stroke

Healthdirect says a person with heatstroke may have:

  • skin that is red, hot or dry
  • body temperature rising suddenly, to above 40°C
  • sweating less, or not at all, though someone who has been exercising may still be sweaty
  • a dry, swollen tongue
  • intense thirst
  • seizures
  • loss of consciousness

Healthdirect adds that heatstroke can bring on nausea, headaches and dizziness, and also confusion, seizures and a loss of consciousness, and that a person with heatstroke may also show unusual behaviours such as confusion, aggressive or strange behaviour, poor coordination or slurred speech. Heatstroke happens when the body’s temperature rises above 40°C, and without urgent treatment it can lead to serious organ damage or death.

Healthdirect’s instruction is the same as NSW Health’s: heatstroke is a medical emergency, so call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if someone has symptoms.

First aid

First aid for heat stroke

NSW Health’s first aid for heat stroke, in its own words and in its order.

“Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and can quickly threaten life. If you are concerned about heat stroke, immediately call triple zero (000).”

“Seek advice from a doctor before taking aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to treat the symptoms of heat stroke as they may be harmful.”

  1. “Get out of the heat to a cooler area indoors or shaded area outdoors.”
  2. “Lay down and elevate the feet.”
  3. “Loosen or remove clothing.”
  4. “Start to cool down any way you can: use a cool-water spray, apply a cool, damp sponge or cloth, wet clothes and skin, have a cool shower or bath, apply ice packs or crushed ice in a damp towel on the neck, groin and armpits.”
  5. “Drink small sips of water if able.”
NSW Health: first aid for heat stroke

First aid

First aid for heat exhaustion

NSW Health’s first aid for heat exhaustion, again in its own words and order.

“Heat exhaustion must be treated as it can quickly develop into severe illness.”

  1. “Get out of the heat to a cooler area indoors or shaded area outdoors.”
  2. “Loosen or remove clothing.”
  3. “Start to cool down any way you can: use a cold-water spray, apply a cool, damp sponge or cloth, wet clothes and skin, have a cool shower or bath, apply ice packs or crushed ice in a damp towel on the neck, groin and armpits.”
  4. “Drink water.”
  5. “If symptoms do not improve, seek medical care. Call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.”
  6. “If symptoms are worsening and you are concerned about heat stroke, immediately call triple zero (000).”
NSW Health: first aid for heat exhaustion

The two lists are close but not the same, and each is printed exactly as NSW Health gives it. Lying down with the feet raised is in the heat stroke list only. The heat stroke list says a cool-water spray; the heat exhaustion list says a cold-water spray.

Healthdirect says a registered nurse is available on its helpline, 1800 022 222, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If this happens

Heat stroke: NSW Health’s first aid

  • “Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and can quickly threaten life. If you are concerned about heat stroke, immediately call triple zero (000).”
  • Ask a doctor before giving aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol: they may be harmful in heat stroke.
  • Get out of the heat, indoors where it is cooler, or into shade outside.
  • Lie down with the feet raised.
  • Loosen or remove clothing.
  • “Start to cool down any way you can: use a cool-water spray, apply a cool, damp sponge or cloth, wet clothes and skin, have a cool shower or bath, apply ice packs or crushed ice in a damp towel on the neck, groin and armpits.”
  • Small sips of water, if able.

From NSW Health, checked 8 October 2026. Heat exhaustion has its own steps, in this guide.

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