People swim in public pools as thousands took to the beaches on New Year's Day in Durban January 1, 2014.
People swim in public pools as thousands took to the beaches on New Year's Day in Durban January 1, 2014. REUTERS/Rogan Ward REUTERS

As the record-breaking heat wave continues to scorch Western Australia, health authorities have warned possible cases of sicknesses and deaths among young and elderly Australians. The extreme heat alerted doctors, nurses and paramedics to prepare for any kind of emergency.

Residents are advised to drink water regularly and avoid prolonged exposure to heat. The risk of fire remains high with temperatures expected to remain within or over 40 degrees throughout the week.

Alisdair Hainsworth from the Bureau of Meteorology said heat wave is moving toward the east. Residents of South Australia and the northwestern part of Victoria will experience rising temperatures within one or two days.

The bureau predicted the heat wave to move further down to south eastern Australia and NSW within the week. Hainsworth remarked residents should prepare for temperatures reaching 40 degrees for consecutive days.

Health Services And Personnel On Alert

Scott Turner, acting deputy chief of the State Emergency Service, said heat significantly affects the body. According to statistics, the death rate, hospital admissions and demand for ambulance services go up every year during hot summers.

Local reports said business hours will be extended in some facilities run by the government, including public swimming pools and the Adelaide bus station.

In Canberra, paramedics remain on high alert as residents are warned to stay indoors after the weather forecast of rising temperatures on consecutive days. According to the report, the rainshower forecast for the weekend will do little to dissipate the heat.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly warned babies, young children, pregnant women, elderly and even the obese are at risk during a heat wave. People at risk may suffer from heat stroke with symptoms like headache, vomiting, dry skin, disorientation and fainting spells.

Kelly urged the people who cannot afford air-conditioning in their homes to frequent shopping centers to cool off.

ACT Ambulance Service Chief David Foot warned parents not to leave pets and children inside their vehicles while running errands since temperatures inside the car can quickly increase in less than 5 minutes.

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