The National Safety Council reports more than 30 children under the age of 15 die after being left in a hot vehicle in the United States each year. Every time we hear about one of these tragic incidents, we wonder, “How could that possibly have happened?” It’s almost impossible to wrap our heads around it – but it happens. And, of course, even one death is too many.
What’s Going On?
As you likely are aware, the inside of a car can heat up rapidly, even on mild days, reaching deadly temperatures within minutes. Young children are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration, as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults.
Heatstroke, which occurs when the body reaches a temperature of 104 degrees or higher, can set in quickly after a child is left in a vehicle, Heatstroke can lead to organ failure, brain damage and, tragically, death in a very short period. Children left unattended may also suffer from dehydration and suffocation if they become trapped or unable to escape the vehicle.
NOTE: Call 9-1-1 if you believe someone is showing signs of heatstroke. You can also transport the person immediately to one of Faith Community Healthcare System’s rural clinics in Jacksboro, Graham, Bowie or Alvord. Of course, Faith Community Hospital and the Bowie Freestanding Emergency Room are available 24/7 to treat any medical emergencies.
Accidents Happen; Let’s Work Together to Prevent Them
Leaving a child in a hot car is not a deliberate act of negligence the vast majority of the time. Instead, it can happen due to a tragic oversight. Most often, experts say, these tragedies occur when there is a change to routine. If you are not used to traveling with young children, you could get distracted and inadvertently get out of the car to go about your day–completely forgetting a young one in the back seat.
By establishing habits that you follow every single time you buckle a child into your car, you can prevent even the possibility of forgetting to take the child with you when you park.
Prevention Is Key
Preventing these tragedies requires awareness and proactive measures:
- Never leave children unattended: Make it a rule never to leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a minute.
- Use reminders: Place a purse, briefcase, or phone in the back seat next to your child as a reminder to check for the child before leaving the vehicle.
- Educate caregivers: Ensure that babysitters, relatives and daycare providers are also aware of the risks and preventive measures. Many of these accidents can happen when a new person is transporting a child. They aren’t used to checking the backseat and can more easily step out and forget.
- Call for help: If you see a child alone in a car, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in preventing heat-related injuries.
The safety and well-being of our children are paramount. By understanding the risks, remaining vigilant and implementing preventive measures, we can all contribute to ensuring that no child suffers the devastating consequences of being left in a hot car.