Common health concerns during a bushfire

 

Important numbers

  • For medical advice contact your doctor or the 24-hour healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222.
  • For medical emergencies call Triple Zero 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if it is safe to do so.
  • For 24-hour mental health support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or 13YARN, run by Aboriginal people, on 13 92 76.
  • For specialist mental health services call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about, including children, teens, adults and older people.
  • For bushfire information call the Rural Fire Service on 1800 NSW RFS (1800 679 737).
  • For an interpreter, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National on 131 450. This service is free and confidential.
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Health concerns during a bush​​fire

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    Bushfire smoke contains fine particles that can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

    Common symptoms of smoke irritation include:

    • itchy/burning eyes
    • sore throat
    • cough

    For most people these symptoms are temporary and will clear after the smoke disappears. Sometimes symptoms can last for several days.

    Some people are more sensitive to​ bushfire smoke.

    If you are more sensitive to bushfire smoke, follow your doctor’s advice about how to stay safe. Keep your medication, medical devices and action plan for your health condition, if you have one, close by.

    Contact your doctor or the 24-hour healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 if you are concerned about any symptoms.

    Call Triple Zero (000) in a medical emergency such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or sudden collapse.​

  • People with asthma may experience a worsening of their symptoms and should follow their Asthma Action Plan.

    For information about what to do in an asthma emergency refer to Asthma Australia - Asthma First Aid.

    Children with asthma may be more sensitive to smoke.

    The Sydney Children's Hospital Network has useful information on asthma in children, including videos and resources in languages other than English.

    Contact your doctor or the 24-hour healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 if you are concerned about any symptoms.

    Call Triple Zero (000) in a medical emergency such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or sudden collapse.

  • Bushfire smoke can worsen heart and lung conditions such as angina and emphysema (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and may increase the risk of heart attacks.

    Symptoms may include:

    • chest pain
    • shortness of breath
    • heart palpitations.

    Follow your doctor’s advice and any action plans you have for your health condition.

    Contact your doctor or the 24-hour healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 if you are concerned about any symptoms you are experiencing.

    Call Triple Zero (000​) in a medical emergency such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or sudden collapse.​

  • Burns and scalds can range from being a minor injury to a life-threatening emergency. It depends how deep and how large they are.

    For first aid for burns and scalds visit healthdirect.

  • Heat can be dangerous. Exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.

    Dehydration and heat exhaustion are milder heat-related illnesses and can lead to heat stroke if they’re not treated.

    Learn the signs, symptoms, and first-aid for heat-related illness.

    Heat can also make existing medical conditions worse.

    Contact your doctor or the 24-hour healthdirect helpline on 1​800 022 222​​​ if you are concerned about any symptoms.

    Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and can quickly threaten life. If you are concerned about heat stroke, immediately call Triple Zero (000​​).

    Seek advice from a doctor before taking aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to treat the symptoms of heat stroke as they may be harmful.​​​​​

  • Bushfires can take a toll on your mental health and wellbeing.

    It is completely normal to experience a range of emotions during a bushfire.

    Most people manage well with the support of family and friends.

    Take care of yourself and your mental health and seek support if you or the people around you need it.

    A range of mental health services and professional help is available and only a phone call away.

    If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348.

    If you or someone you k​now is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if it is safe to do so.

    There are a range of free mental health support services and resources available.

    Find more information on managing your mental health during and after a bushfire.

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Current as at: Monday 17 March 2025
Contact page owner: Environmental Health