Heatstroke and Kids: Even 10 Minutes Alone Could be Deadly

Did you know that in just 10 minutes a car’s temperature can increase by 19 degrees - quickly becoming deadly to a child? Heatstroke is the #1 cause of non-crash, vehicle related deaths for children ages 14 and under.

It can be tempting to leave a baby alone in a car while we quickly run into the store. Sometimes they sleep so peacefully we can even forget they’re there. Leaving a child alone in a car can lead to serious injury or death from heatstroke. Young children are particularly at risk, as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s. These tragedies are completely preventable. So far in 2016, there have already been two deaths and we haven’t even reached the high temperatures of summer.

Today, Safe Kids Worldwide is launching a Heat Stroke Awareness campaign and our children’s safety team at Primary Children’s is encouraging everyone to become informed about this danger. Here are some tips from Safe Kids Worldwide on how we can all work together to keep kids safe from heatstroke.

Remember to A.C.T.

A: Avoid heatstroke related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. Make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.

C: Create Reminders by putting something in the back of your car, next to your child. Items such as a briefcase, a purse, or a cell phone - something that will be needed at your final destination. This is especially important if you’re not following your normal routine.

T: Take Action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

Teach Kids Not to Play in Cars

• Make sure to lock your vehicle, including doors and trunk, when you’re not using it. Keep keys and remote entry fobs out of children’s sight and reach.
• Teach kids that trunks are for transporting cargo and are not safe places to play.
• If your child is missing, get help and check swimming pools, vehicles and trunks. If your children are locked in a car, get them out as quickly as possible and call 911 immediately. Emergency personnel are trained to evaluate and check for signs of heatstroke.

If you want a copy of these tips, go to safekids.org. You can also call our team at (801) 662-6580 for a free printed copy of Kids In Cars safety information or download a copy at primarychildrens.org/safety.

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