Australian and New Zealand journal of medicine
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Severe heat-related illness can result in hospitalisation and possibly death. These illnesses are potentially preventable; in Australia high environmental temperatures are common. ⋯ Problems were identified in accuracy of diagnosis and appropriate intervention. Awareness of the risk factor profile is needed among health workers, to ensure early preventative strategies. Populations to target for future prevention include elderly people (including those in institutional care), patients with cognitive impairment and patients taking diuretics, multiple medication and/or with other severe co-existing illnesses. Treatment could be more standardised.