When it is very hot, you may be at increased risk of heat related illness, especially if you have medical conditions or take certain medicines.
Strenuous activities in hot climatic conditions can cause even healthy young people to develop a condition called exertional hyperpyrexia. This can result in collapse and even death within one to two days. Early signs are lack of co-ordination and slurring of speech due to the effect of heat on a very sensitive part of the brain called the cerebellum.
Although the human body is well adapted to maintaining a stable body temperature in ambient temperatures around 32 degrees, repeated hot days known as extreme heat events or heat waves above this temperature threaten the ability of the human body to cope.
Refer to the following fact sheets for further advice on how to keep cool during heat events.
Fact sheets
Additional information
Heatwave policy - Department of Health Operational Directive (External link)
The aim of this Operational Directive is to ensure that an efficient health response is activated to meet health disaster and emergency management requirements in response to a heatwave. The policy defines the roles and responsibilities of key Western Australian Department of Health agencies in mitigating the effects of a heatwave, especially on the most vulnerable people in the population.
