CIRCUMSTANCES
THERE WERE 793 PREVENTABLE DEATHS BETWEEN 1990 – 2016
In an overwhelming majority of child vehicular heatstroke deaths, it was an otherwise loving, responsible parent that unknowingly left the child.
- 55% Unknowingly left
- 28% Got in on their own
- 13% Knowingly left
- 4% Unknown
HEATSTROKE FACTS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Medical
- Heatstroke is clinically defined as when a person’s temperature exceeds 104 °F and their abilty to regulate their body temperature is compromised.
- When a core body temperature of 107°F or greater is reached, cells are damaged and internal organs begin to shut down. These events can rapidly lead to death.
- A child’s body temperature rises at a rate three to five times faster than an adult’s.
Symptoms
- Dizziness, disorientation, agitation, Symptoms confusion, sluggishness, seizure, hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat and hallucinations.
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From 1990-2016, 186 children were killed by over-powered air bags in the front passenger seat. During that same time-frame more than 793 children died in hot vehicles. Children can be unknowingly left behind in the back seat by even the most responsible parents and caregivers. Always remember to open the back car door after parking your vehicle and ‘Look Before You Lock’.
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FOLLOW THESE 3 STEPS
- CALL 911 if you see a child unattended in a car
- Use the resqme tool to apply pressure in the bottom corner of the window where the glass is the weakest. If you see a life in danger, check for an unlocked door. If none, BREAK THE WINDOW FURTHEST AWAY FROM THE CHILD (protect your hands and eyes).
- REMOVE THE CHILD FROM THE CAR
ALWAYS REMEMBER
NEVER LEAVE A CHILD ALONE IN A VEHICLE. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Not even for a minute!
“LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK”
Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don’t overlook sleeping babies. Make “Look Before you Lock” a routine whenever you get out of the car.
PUT REMINDERS IN THE BACK SEAT
Place your handbag or cell phone in the backseat so you always open the backdoor to take it with you. Also, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat and when the child is put in the car, place it up front with you as a reminder.
CHECK THE POOL
If a child is missing, always check the pool first, and then the car, including the trunk.
LOCK YOUR CAR
Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices. Teach children that vehicles are never to be used as a play area.
WARNING
VEHICLE TEMPERATURE INCREASES RAPIDLY
When it is 70°F outside, it can be 125°F or more inside the car. The temperature may increase 20°F every 10 minutes!
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KidsAndCars.org resqme, Inc. is a proud partner of the non-profit organization KidsAndCars.org (KAC) dedicated to preventing injuries and death to children in or around motor vehicles. Every year an average of 37 children die from heatstroke inside of vehicles. Together we can help educate the public on the dangers of children and pets dying from situations just like these. Donate to their cause to help spread this education and make everyone aware of the dangers that exist. For more details visit KidsAndCars.org |
*Check to see if a Good Samaritan Law exists in your state.
