Hyperthermia
Children Left Unattended in Vehicles – Heatstroke Prevention
Every year, children lose their lives due to heatstroke after being left unattended inside vehicles. These tragic incidents can happen very quickly and often occur when parents or caregivers unintentionally forget that a child is seated in the back seat, especially when daily routines change unexpectedly.
People often rely heavily on established routines to manage daily responsibilities. However, even small disruptions in routine can increase the risk of accidentally leaving a child in a vehicle. This can happen to parents, guardians, or childcare providers when schedules change or distractions occur.
How Quickly Heat Becomes Dangerous
Heat inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly, even when outside temperatures appear mild. Temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit can still cause the interior of a vehicle to exceed 110° Fahrenheit within a short period of time. In fact, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise nearly 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.
In some cases, children enter unlocked vehicles without an adult’s knowledge while playing. Once inside, they may become trapped or unable to open the doors, leading to dangerous heat exposure and possible heatstroke.
Important Prevention Tips
To protect children from heat-related injuries and deaths:
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Never leave a child unattended inside a vehicle for any reason.
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Do not allow children to play in or around unattended vehicles.
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Teach children that vehicles are not play areas.
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Never leave infants or children inside parked vehicles, even if windows are partially open.
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Always check the front and back seats before locking the vehicle and walking away.
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Keep vehicle doors locked and store keys out of children’s reach.
Reminder Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers can take additional precautions to help remember that a child is in the vehicle:
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Place a personal item such as a purse, briefcase, phone, or bag in the back seat.
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Write reminder notes and place them where they will be easily noticed.
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Keep a stuffed toy or object in the child’s car seat and move it to the front seat when the child is riding in the vehicle.
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Ask childcare providers to contact you if your child does not arrive as expected.
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Coordinate with spouses or partners to confirm childcare drop-offs.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you see a child alone inside a hot vehicle:
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Call emergency services or the police immediately.
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If the child appears distressed, remove the child from the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible.
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Begin cooling the child immediately.
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Contact 911 or your local emergency emergency number without delay.
Important Facts About Vehicle Heat
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Vehicles heat up extremely quickly, even with windows slightly open.
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Children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults.
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Infants and children under four years of age are at especially high risk for heat-related illness.
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Children absorb heat more rapidly and are less able to regulate body temperature through sweating.
High body temperatures can result in:
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Heatstroke
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Permanent brain injury
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Organ damage
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Death
Symptoms of Heatstroke
Warning signs of heatstroke may include:
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Red, hot, moist, or dry skin
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Lack of sweating
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Rapid or weak pulse
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Severe headache
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Dizziness
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Nausea
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Confusion
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Unusual behavior or irritability
Conclusion
Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes, can quickly become life-threatening. Increased awareness, careful routines, and simple reminder techniques can help prevent tragic accidents and protect children from heat-related injuries and fatalities.
Parents, caregivers, and communities must work together to ensure that children are never left alone in vehicles and that every precaution is taken to keep them safe.