Vehicular Hypothermia Reasons and Prevention
It can take only a few moments of carelessness for a catastrophic tragedy to occur and this statement is especially true in case of young children dying of heatstroke after being left in a hot car for an extended period of time.
Every year, many avoidable deaths occur due to vehicular hypothermia and the rising numbers are worrying health officials and child safety experts.
According to statistics compiled by theDepartment of Geosciences, San Francisco State University, since 1998, on an average, 38 children in United States have died from heat stroke annually after being left in a hot vehicle. At least 49 children died of hypothermia (heatstroke) in 2010. In 2011, five deaths have already occurred, themost recentbeing that of a 4-month-old girl who was left by herself in a hot car in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Experts have ascertained three major causes of vehicular hyperthermia from media reports. Of all the deaths that occurred in hot vehicles between 1998-2010 period, 51% of the children were forgotten in the car by caregivers. 30% of children died when they played unattended in vehicles and 17% deaths occurred when adults intentionally left babies and toddlers in their cars.
The highest death rate is among children who are one year old or less though toddlers up to 4 years are also at risk. Intheir website, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that a baby left in a stationary car can quickly get too hot and suffer heat stroke. This can lead to a high fever, dehydration, seizures and death.
Parents need to know that it does not have to be an extremely hot day for these incidents to happen. Temperatures in the interior of parked vehicles can rise rapidly. Even if a window is rolled down two inches, and the outside temperature is in the low 80s° Fahrenheit, it takes only 10 minutes for the temperature inside a vehicle to reach deadly levels. This is because much of the heat radiates off car seats and dashboards.
Some basic rules which all parents and caregivers should follow in regards with children in cars are as follows:
• Never leave a young child unattended in a vehicle:
We might think there is no harm in leaving a sleeping baby in the car while we dash inside a grocery store or a bank to do some quick chore. Circumstances in public places are always uncertain and one might get held up in a long queue, meet someone who wants to have a long chat or some unforeseen event can delay you. Meanwhile, your car might be getting as heated as an oven and your child’s life will be in serious danger.
• Make sure all your children disembark once you reach your destination:
A child might be sulking, sleeping or decide to play hide and seek by crouching. As a parent, no matter what your mood, schedule or pressing need maybe, you must make sure that all the children leave the vehicle with you.
• Keep car keys out of children’s reach:
Discourage children from playing in or around the car. Keep car keys out of their reach. Also remember to keep car doors and trunks locked at all times, even when the car is in the garage or driveway.
• Stick a brightly colored note as reminder:
This is especially helpful if there is a change in your schedule or your child is being driven by some person (like grandparents or family friends) who is normally not in charge of taking care of your infant. A note like ‘Baby in the Back seat’ in a highly visible place or a photograph taped to dashboard can serve as a reliable reminder.
• Make arrangements with daycare centers/babysitters:
What might seem like a little hassle or inconvenience might someday save a little life. Ask your child's babysitter or daycare provider to always call you promptly if the child is not dropped off as at the scheduled time. Make sure that they have mobile and office numbers of parents and at least some other person who can be contacted in case of an emergency.
• Keep reminders in back seat
If your baby is in the backseat, place your purse, mobile phone, briefcase or some other things that you need for your journey near him too.
If you come across a child who has been left alone in a car in a parking lot, do not abandon him to his fate. Alert the police or some other officials who can locate his parents or guardians. A little vigilance on your part can save you from an eternity of guilt, heartbreak and trauma. It can also save a precious life.
