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Ages of children found in vehicles -

In the US alone, an average of 37 children under the age of 15 die from heatstroke each year after being left in a car.

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How hot can it get in a car? -

Jan Null, who is the US's recognized expert on heatstroke deaths of children in vehicles, is to thank for most of the information we have on the subject today. He did tests on his own car and found that the temperature in the vehicle can rise more than 50°F (10°C) compared to the outside temperature. What's more, the temperature shoots up significantly in the first 10 minutes, and 80% of the increase occurs within the first half hour.

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How hot can it get in a car? - Following the initial rapid rise, the temperature inside the car continues to gradually rise and will reach an extremely high temperature. For example, if the outside air is 90°F (32°C) the temperature in a car will reach 133°F (56°C) in about an hour.

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Why does the car heat up quickly? - A car operates like a greenhouse, where the short wavelengths of sunlight shine through the window and heat the air and surfaces inside.

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Why does the car heat up quickly? -

The heated surfaces then radiate longer wavelengths of infrared energy, also known as heat, that don't penetrate back out the window but instead heat the air inside.

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Why are children so susceptible to hot cars? - Heat within a car can be dangerous for any person but it’s especially true for children, partly because they are normally strapped into a car seat. This means they can't remove clothing or get out of the car when needed.

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Core temperature -

As time passes, the child's core body temperature rises due to the heat radiating from the car’s surfaces.

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Core temperature -

The normal human body temperature is about 98°F (36.7°C). When the core temperature passes 104° (40°C), it becomes extremely dangerous.

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Heatstroke -

Heatstroke can occur at around 107°F (42°C). Children are usually unable to cool themselves by sweating because they haven't yet hit puberty. Their little bodies just continue to gain heat.

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Signs and symptoms of heatstroke in children - Some of the most common signs and symptoms of heatstroke in children include a throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, hot, red, dry, or damp skin, a strong, rapid pulse, fainting, and loss of consciousness.

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Act immediately - Heatstroke is a severe medical emergency and should not be taken lightly. It can be fatal so if you see a child trapped in a car you should call the medical authorities immediately.

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Health consequences -

Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur in the leg and stomach. They are often the first sign of a heat-related illness or issue.

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Health consequences -

Heat exhaustion involves heavy sweating, weakness, tiredness, cool or clammy skin as well as a weak pulse, muscle cramps, and more. You should be concerned if it lasts longer than an hour.

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Why do children get trapped in cars? -

Children who fall victim to vehicular heatstroke reside in three main categories. Approximately 20% are knowingly left, 25% gain access to a car and become trapped, and over 50% are forgotten.

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Why parents forget their children in the car -

People can go into "autopilot mode" and forget to complete unusual tasks, like stopping for milk or dropping off a child at daycare, because their brain follows familiar routines. In such cases, the brain may even create a false memory, leading them to mistakenly believe they completed the task.

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Tips for adults with kids in the car - Place a briefcase, purse, or cell phone next to your child’s car seat. This will help you remember to check behind you and confirm no one else is in the car.

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Visual reminder - Keep a stuffed animal or toy in the car and leave it in the child’s car seat when it’s empty. Then when your child is in the car, move the toy to the front seat as an additional visual reminder. 

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Audible cues - Giving yourself audible reminders can sometimes help. Try saying things out loud such as, “don’t forget the kids” or, “the kids are with you."

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Psychology of memory and forgetting - Habit memory usually dominates over prospective memory and a parent can easily lose awareness when a child is in the car when their habit memory takes over. Things like stress and sleeping poorly can promote habit memory over prospective memory.

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Legal consequences of leaving a child in the car - In the US, the legality of leaving an unattended child in a car varies from state to state. Some states might charge you with child neglect or endangerment. In an extreme case, involuntary manslaughter could be the verdict.

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How do we prevent heatstroke in cars? - Parents and caregivers should make it a habit to always check the backseat when leaving a car. Once you park, look before you lock.

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Keep the car locked - As a responsible adult, citizen, and parent, be sure to keep your car locked. Kids are curious and love to explore, so they could unknowingly crawl into a car and get trapped inside.

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Never leave a child in the car -

Never leave a child alone in a car that's parked. You may think you'll only be a minute when in reality it can take you longer. A matter of minutes can be life or death in this situation. 

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Never ignore it -

If you see a child alone in a vehicle, first check if the child is responsive and okay. If not, immediately call the medical authorities.

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Am I legally able to help a child in a car that isn't mine? - In many states, there are “Good Samaritan” laws where people are protected from lawsuits when they get involved to help someone in an emergency.

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Misconceptions - A common misconception is that it’s safe to leave a child in a car if the window is cracked or rolled down slightly. This isn’t true. The car can still heat up to a dangerous degree despite the window being down.

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Misconceptions - Another misconception is that heatstroke is only a concern during the summer, and while most deaths occur between June and August, it can still occur in the winter months.

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Public awareness - It’s essential for there to be more awareness about the issue of children and heatstrokes in cars. It is more common than many realize.

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Role of daycares and schools in prevention and awareness -

One way to increase public awareness could be through information or programs within daycares and elementary schools. Even sending a pamphlet home with a child for their parents can help spread the word and even save the life.

Sources: (National Weather Service) (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) (Scientific American) (NoHeatStroke.org) (National Safety Council) (The Weather Network) (NBC Washington)

See also: Are you teaching your children these essential life skills

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