Introduction

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it also comes with immense responsibility. One critical area of concern for parents is the risk of heatstroke in children, especially when it comes to hot car deaths. Since 1998, 972 children have died from heatstroke after being left or becoming trapped in a vehicle. Understanding the dangers and taking preventive measures can help keep your children safe.

Understanding Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a severe heat-related illness that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system fails, and the body overheats to dangerous levels. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, rapid breathing, a racing heart, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Without immediate medical attention, heatstroke can be fatal. Children are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because their bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) also defined heat stroke is defined as follows:

“Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.”

Source: CDC – Heat-related Illnesses

How Quickly Cars Heat Up

A car can become a deadly oven in a matter of minutes. Studies have shown that even on a mild 70-degree day, the temperature inside a car can soar to over 115 degrees within an hour. On hotter days, the interior temperature can reach life-threatening levels in an even shorter time. This rapid rise in temperature makes it crucial for parents to never leave their children unattended in a vehicle.

HEATSTROKE FACTS

The majority of hot car deaths — 53% — happen because someone forgets a child in a car. You may be asking yourself: How does this happen? Families who lost a loved one thought the same thing at one point, but then the tragedy happened to them. Hot car deaths don’t just occur in the summer heat. On average, the first vehicular heatstroke of the year happens in March, according to Jan Null, who has been tracking such deaths since 1998. Among the trends he discovered over the years:

• About 46% of the time when a child was forgotten, the caregiver meant to drop the child off at a daycare or preschool.
• Thursdays and Fridays — the end of the workweek — have had the highest deaths.
• More than half of the deaths (54%) are children under 2 years old. NHTSA: You Can Help Prevent Hot Car Deaths.

Preventive Parenting Tips

Develop Safe Habits

1. Always Check the Back Seat: Develop a habit of checking the back seat every time you leave the car. Place an item like a purse or phone in the back seat as a reminder.
2. Keep a Routine: Ensure a consistent routine, especially when dropping your child off at daycare or school. Any deviation from your routine can increase the risk of forgetting.
3. Use Reminders: Set up alerts on your phone or use a stuffed animal as a visual reminder that your child is in the car.

Technology and GadgetsSeveral apps and devices can help prevent hot car deaths:

• Waze App: This navigation app can be set to remind you to check your car seat when you reach your destination.
• Kars 4 Kids Safety App: Sends alerts to check your back seat.
• Car Seat Alarms: Devices like the SensorSafe by Evenflo attach to car seats and alert your phone if the child is left in the car.

Community Awareness

• See a Child Alone in a Car? If you see a child alone in a vehicle, ensure the child is okay and responsive. If not, call 911 immediately.
• Locate Parents: If the child appears okay, attempt to locate the parents or have the facility page the car owner.
• Intervene if Necessary: If the child is unresponsive and distressed, try to get into the car to assist the child, even if it means breaking a window. Many states have “Good Samaritan” laws protecting individuals who take such actions.

2023 and 2024 Statistics (No Heat Stroke: 2023 Statistics.)

In 2023, 29 children died from pediatric vehicular heatstroke (PVH), and in 2024, there have already been 3 deaths. Below are some cases from 2023:

• 10/10/2023, Newton County, GA: Girl, 14 months, 83°F
• 10/4/2023, West Hempfield Township, PA: Girl, 3 months, 83°F
• 8/8/2023, Houston, TX: Boy, 2 months, 102°F
• 7/14/2023, Richmond, TX: Boy, 6 years, 98°F
• 5/9/2023, Spring Valley, NY: Girl, 1 year, 70°F

As of June 19, 2024, three additional pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths have been reported:

• 6/13/2024, Santee, CA: Girl, 2 months, 77°F
• 5/22/2024, Morgantown, WV: Girl, 3 months, 85°F
• 5/3/2024, Columbia, SC: Girl, 3 years, 88°F

These statistics underscore the importance of vigilance and preventive measures to protect children from heatstroke.

Conclusion

Raising awareness about the dangers of heatstroke and the speed at which cars heat up is crucial. Developing a routine of checking the back seat and using technology to remind you can save lives. Spread the word on social media using hashtags like #HeatstrokeKills and #CheckTheBackSeat. By staying informed and vigilant, we can prevent these tragic deaths and keep our children safe.