As heatwave season hits, GPs and the Queensland Health Department have joined forced to help doctors, practice teams and patients stay safe during the hottest months.
It comes following reports this morning that today was expected to be Queensland's hottest day of the week. Tuesday was officially Queensland's hottest October day since records began, with Birdsville hitting 46.1 Celsius.
As part of the Queensland Government's Get Ready initiative, Queensland Health and the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) have collaborated on the Primary Care Guide to Heat Health Management to help GPs and practice teams care for patients and staff during extreme heat conditions.
Extreme heat caused the most injury hospitalisations related to extreme weather over the last 10 years, and the risk of hospitalisation due to extreme weather-related injury increases with age, with nearly one-third of hospitalisations occurring in people aged 65 and over.
RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester welcomed the release of the guide.
"In my home state of Queensland, heatwaves are a recurring and serious concern and it's vital to be prepared," she said.
"Anyone can experience negative health impacts from extreme heat; however, identifying and caring for patients who may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of extreme hot weather is critical.
"This includes, for example, older people and infants, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as patients with chronic disease and those with conditions that may impair sweating. It's also important to consider those patients who work in hot environments or undertake recreational activities such as playing sport outdoors.
"So, the College encourages all practice team members to be trained in how to recognise at-risk patients and consider the potential side effects of all medicines. We also encourage practices to have a plan in place for these patients, including a care plan containing heat-specific advice, and arrangements in place to help with tasks such as grocery shopping to avoid having to go outdoors during the heat.
"Providing sound advice or just a reminder on how to keep cool, including drinking plenty of fluids is crucial, as is ensuring that carers are aware of the heat plan and have the contact details of the patient's GP.
"My message to all patients is to please look after yourself during heatwave season, and remember that even if you're not feeling thirsty, it's important to drink plenty of water and try and stay indoors during the hottest time of the day. The Heatwatch website and app can also help people across Queensland understand their own personal heat health risk and how to stay as safe as possible."
Dr Hester said GPs and practice teams also need to focus on ensuring their practices are ready for the heatwave months.
"It's important we keep our staff members, and people frequenting our practices, as safe as possible," she said.
"Steps like making sure there is sufficient stock of essential supplies such as electrolytes, fans and water stations, having an up-to-date heat emergency management plan in place, and keeping your practice as cool and well-ventilated as possible can make such a difference. Displaying Queensland Health's useful heat health materials in our waiting rooms and staff rooms is also a useful measure."
