You can use this information to familiarise yourself with the symptoms of heat-related illness, including heat stress, heat stroke, dehydration and hyponatremia.

Your guide is certified in First-Aid, and is especially trained to manage Heat-related Illness in the extreme temperatures of Central Australia.

Please follow your Guide’s instructions on recommended water consumption, and make sure you have water bottles to carry 2 Litres of water with you on the hikes.

What are the Symptoms of Heat-related Illness?

Symptoms of Heat Stress and Heat Stroke

Heat stress occurs when the body can’t cool itself fast enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heat stroke is an extreme form of heat stress and can be life-threatening.

  • thirst, dry mouth, dry lips
  • cold or clammy sweating
  • painful muscle spasms
  • headache
  • irritability
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • high body temperature (over 38.5°C)
  • altered mental state
  • confusion, disorientation or rapid development of unconsciousness
  • dry skin
  • dry, swollen tongue
  • rapid, strong pulse at first, becoming weaker
  • fits, seizures or coma

Symptoms of Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is caused by an imbalance of sodium electrolytes in the body, which leads to an inability to regulate water.

  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting
  • lethargy or irritability
  • absent or reduced reflexes
  • confusion
  • seizures

Symptoms of Dehydration

  • feeling thirsty
  • dark yellow and strong-smelling pee
  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • feeling tired
  • a dry mouth, lips and eyes
  • peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day