Submitted by Baystate Health
SPRINGFIELD — It’s a tragedy that is entirely preventable – leaving a child in a hot car.
Yet, despite all the attention lately about leaving kids behind in hot cars, another toddler died on Monday in Ridgefield, Conn., after being left unattended in the car.
“A few minutes might not seem like a long time, but there are circumstances when it can mean the difference between life and death. As temperatures begin to heat up, children are at a serious risk for heat stroke when left alone even for a few minutes in a closed vehicle,” said Mandi Summers, co-coordinator, Safe Kids of Western Mass. headquartered at Baystate Children’s Hospital.
Trends over the past few years indicate that these unfortunate and often deadly mishaps will probably rise in number again this year, says the National Safety Council.
Already in 2014 there have been some 10 child deaths attributed to heatstroke from being left alone in a hot car.
According to estimates from San Francisco State University’s Department of Geosciences, since 1989 there have been at least 615 heatstroke deaths of children left in vehicles – that’s an average of 38 deaths per year with more than half of the total number involving children under the age of 2.
Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children under the age of 14.
And, it doesn’t even have to be a scorching day for tragedy to strike, it can be relatively mild, noted Summers.
“Ever notice how your car can be nice and warm even on a cool day?
That’s because the inside of a vehicle can rise 19 degrees above the outside temperature in just 10 minutes. And, after an hour, the temperature inside and outside of a vehicle can differ by 45 degrees or more – even if the window is left open a crack,” said Summers.
“No one ever thinks this tragedy could strike them, and that is why it’s essential to get this message out, especially as the weather starts heating up,” she added.
Heat is much more dangerous to children than it is to adults.
“When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature may increase three to five times faster than that of an adult, which could cause permanent injury or even death,” said Dr. Ronald Gross, chief, Trauma, Acute Care Surgery and Emergency Surgery Services at Baystate Medical Center.
He noted heat stroke occurs when the core body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms can include dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness, seizure, hot dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat and hallucinations.
“When anyone‘s core body temperature surpasses 104 degrees Fahrenheit to reach 107 degrees, the consequences are lethal,” said Dr. Gross.
According to research conducted by San Francisco State University, more than half of these children were accidentally left behind in a closed, parked car by parents or caregivers, while nearly a third of these children were trapped while playing in a vehicle unattended. Sadly, one in five children who died were intentionally left in the vehicle by an adult.
To reduce the number of deaths from heatstroke, Safe Kids suggests remembering the word ACT:
A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute, even if the window is left slightly open. And, make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it, so kids don’t get in on their own and play in the car.
C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child such as a briefcase, purse or cell phone that is 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.
For more information about summer safety, call Safe Kids of Western Mass.
headquartered at Baystate Children’s Hospital at (413) 794-6510 or visit