Quick Start Guide for Clinicians on Heat and Health

Use this guide to get started in protecting your patients from hot weather.

Assess your patient’s risk factors for heat impacts on their health.

Use the CHILL’D-OUT questionnaire to ask about:

Cooling (e.g., air conditioning)

Housing (e.g., stable housing)

Isolation and mobility (e.g., someone to check on them)

eLectricity (e.g., plan for refrigerated medications if heat causes a power outage)

Learning (e.g., know how to use the HeatRisk Tool)

Drugs (e.g., medications that might make heat riskier for your patient)

Outside (e.g., amount of time spent outside)

Teach your patients how to know when heat is dangerous to their health.
- Teach your patients how to use the HeatRisk Tool.
- Remind your patients how to use the Air Quality Index and explain how poor air quality can make heat risk worse.

Educate your patients on steps they can take using a Heat Action Plan.
- Review steps to stay cool, stay hydrated, and know how to recognize heat-related symptoms.
- Help your patients understand what to do when air quality is poor.
- Review medications and develop a medication plan for hot days.

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