This document provides strategic guidance, and is intended for use across SA Health, including the Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW), Local Health Networks (LHNs), SA Ambulance Service (SAAS), Wellbeing SA and all other SA Health clinical support services. This document is not mandatory but serves to guide all areas within SA Health in developing and maintaining their localised planning and preparedness to respond to extreme heat and heatwaves, and establish their own procedures, arrangements or plans specific to their context.

This document also recognises and acknowledges the important role the wider health, aged care and disability sectors plays during extreme heat and heatwave events, including Aged Care, General Practice, Pharmacies, Community Health, and Disability services – some of whom are Commonwealth government or non-government organisations (NGOs), as well as private businesses. Guidance for these sector partners is included within this document, for their consideration, as part of their preparedness for extreme heat and heatwaves in South Australia.