This blog was updated 11 November 2025.
Hot day, short walk, and suddenly you feel light-headed. It sneaks up on the best of us. If you or someone you care for struggles in the heat, here’s what to look for and what to do next so small problems don’t turn into an emergency.
Early Warning Signs
Early signs can include feeling unusually hot or flushed, tiredness, headache, thirst or a dry mouth, muscle cramps, and heavy sweating. These can appear quickly in babies and young children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with long-term health conditions.
Move to a cool place, rest, and sip water or a rehydration drink. Loosen tight clothing, use a fan or cool shower if available, and keep checking symptoms. If you care for someone else, stay with them and make sure they keep drinking.
Serious Warning Signs
If heat stress progresses, you may notice confusion, dizziness or fainting, nausea, fast breathing or a rapid heartbeat, hot dry skin or very little sweating, or symptoms that don’t improve with rest and fluids. These are danger signs and need urgent medical advice. Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Why does this matter?
In severe heat illness the brain doesn’t function as well, the heart works harder, and dehydration strains the kidneys. Acting early helps prevent heatstroke, which is life-threatening.
How can I prevent heat stress?
Plan your day around the coolest hours, keep indoor spaces cool with fans or air-conditioning, wear light clothing, and drink water regularly. Avoid alcohol and very sugary or highly caffeinated drinks. Check on neighbours, friends, and family who may be at risk.
How can a personal alarm help?
If you’re at higher risk or care for someone who is, a personal alarm can connect you to help quickly if you feel unwell. The Home Companion personal alarm is an in-home base unit with a pendant or wriststrap for press-to-call support. The Freedom Friend SOS pendant is a mobile medical alert pendant with 4G and GPS for help when you’re out and about.
This has been provided as simple health information only. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
At APERS, we understand that keeping your loved ones safe is the most important thing in the world.
For more information about our personal medical alarms, please call us on 1300 852 148 or send us a form enquiry via our contact us page.
