FIRST AID FACT SHEETFirst aid for heat-induced conditions Show
Heat-induced conditions occur when the body’s core temperature is elevated. This is known as Hyperthermia.
Follow DRSABCD St John Action Plan. Cooling management
While waiting for professional assistance for individuals over 5 years of age:
If this is not available, a combination of the following methods should be used:
While waiting for professional assistance for children 5 years of age and under:
Hydration Management
Caused by
Signs and symptoms
As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you have a duty to provide first aid for sick or injured workers, including providing: first aid equipment and facilities access to trained first aid officers. Working in a hot environment—indoors or out—can put workers at risk of heat-related illness. Check worker medications and medical conditionsIf a worker is on certain medications, has a pre-existing medical condition or has had heat-related illness before, they’re more susceptible to a heat-related illness. This can also affect how the worker should be treated. You should alert workers to this risk and monitor them closely, as far as is reasonably practicable. Dehydration symptomsSeek medical advice if symptoms don’t improve or are severe. Dehydration symptoms include:
First aid for dehydration
Heat rashHeat rash is an itchy rash with small raised red spots on the face, neck, back, chest or thighs. Seek medical advice if symptoms don’t improve. First aid for heat rash
Heat cramps symptomsHeat cramps are painful and often incapacitating cramps in muscles, particularly when doing demanding physical work. Seek medical advice if symptoms don’t improve. First aid for heat cramps
Fainting symptomsFainting (heat syncope) can happen while standing or rising from a sitting position. Seek medical advice if a worker faints. First aid for fainting
Call ambulance immediately if heat stroke is suspectedHeat stroke symptoms include:
Severe symptoms include:
Not all heat-induced illness symptoms will be present. First aid for heat-induced illness
Shivering is an automatic muscular reaction which warms the body. It will make the body temperature rise even further. If the worker starts shivering:
Supporting information
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