Every year, around 40 children die from heatstroke after they were either left or became trapped inside a hot car.
In minutes, temperatures inside vehicles can rise to dangerous levels, leaving children especially vulnerable.
“Children have a very high BMR, which is a basal metabolic rate, so their temperature climbs almost three to five times faster, and they lose sweat slower,” explained emergency medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic Children’s Dr. Purva Grover.
While tragic, hot car deaths are preventable, Grover stressed. Temperatures inside cars can rise nearly 20 degrees within 10 minutes. Because of how quickly the temperature can change, Grover said it’s never safe to leave children inside cars without supervision for any amount of time.
Grover recommends keeping items like a purse or a phone next to a child in the back seat, so you never forget to check whether or not your child is still there.
Children can also get into an unlocked vehicle and get trapped inside.
“If you have a swimming pool and a car in your garage, those are the two places you must immediately check if you are unable to find your child,” Grover said. “It takes minutes for these tragedies to happen, and they are preventable.”
Grover said if you see a child alone inside a car, don’t hesitate to call 911. Taking action as a bystander could save a life.
Source: WAVE
You must be logged in to post a comment.