Heatwave advice for GPs

It has already been a warm precursor to summer in WA — and it is going to get hotter prompting a reminder to GPs to watch for patients who are most at risk of heat-related issues. 


General practice has a role to play in preparing patients for the effects of heatwaves and can help reduce the impact hot weather has on communities, the WA Primary Health Alliance said. 

WA looks sets for a hot and dry summer this year, with long range forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology predicting high minimum temperatures across much of the state and warmer than average days across most of the country.  

Heatwaves have become an increasing threat in the country, with over half of heatwave-related deaths occurring in disadvantaged areas, where residents often lack access to adequate cooling infrastructure, and face additional health risks due to socioeconomic factors, WAPHA said. 

It is calling on GPs to be aware of patients who are most at risk of adverse health outcomes during heatwaves and have plans in place to support those patients. 

Lisa George, program coordinator of disaster preparedness and planning at WAPHA, said general practice played a vital role in safeguarding community health during periods of extreme heat. 

“It is important that general practitioners stay informed about heat warnings and actively share safety measures to protect vulnerable individuals,” she said. 

“GPs should also be mindful to take care of themselves and ready their practice, by providing a cool workspace and encouraging hydration for all.” 

Those considered most at risk during extreme heat are: 

  • Children, older people, pregnant women, people living with a disability and people experiencing homelessness. 
  • Patients with chronic conditions or those who are on multiple medications. 
  • Patients who may struggle to adapt including those with dementia, substance abuse or other factors. 
  • People who work outdoors. 
  • Aboriginal populations who live in remote areas. 

The BOM defines a heatwave as three or more days of high temperatures that are considered unusual for that location.  

They are categorised into intensity levels ranging from low intensity, which most people can generally cope with, to extreme which are considered a risk to people who don’t take precautions to keep cool. 

The bureau issues heatwave warnings when a severe or extreme heatwave is forecast within the following four days. 

During heatwaves GPs should communicate heatwave alerts to vulnerable patients, encourage them to check-in with family to ensure support, recommend they maintain hydration and avoid unnecessary physical activity, use the air conditioning or fans if available or visit public places with air condition if it is not available at home. 

They should also ensure patients have a back-up plan if essential medical equipment is reliant on electricity as black outs are common in some areas during extreme weather events. 

GPs can access a range of resources to support their care for patients during heatwaves, including: 

A range of resources is available that can be shared with patients including the Department of Health’s heatwave information, Emergency WA alerts and warnings and Heatwave Service for Australia. 

https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/articles/f_i/heatwave-be-prepared-for-extreme-heat 

https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/ 

http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/heatwave/