Heatstroke in children left in cars preventable; Hendrick Health offers strategies to keep kids safe

Any parent or caregiver, even a loving and attentive one, is at risk of unknowingly leaving a child in a vehicle. Being busy or distracted increases that risk. As the temperatures outside remain hot, it’s especially important that individuals are acutely aware of the dangers.

Heatstroke occurs when the body overheats and is unable to cool itself off quickly enough, resulting in organ failure. Children are at greater risk, as their bodies heat up much faster than an adult’s body. Even cloudy or mild days can be harmful for children, as it only takes 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to increase 20 degrees, regardless of the temperature outside.

Below are important reminders to keep children safe.

• Always check the back seat before locking the car. Make it a habit.
• Keep an important item you will need at your destination, like a cellphone, wallet or shoe, in the backseat when a child is in the car.
• Communicate with caregivers and family members when there is a schedule change. Confirm the child has arrived at their destination.
• Never leave a child alone in the car, even if you think you will be gone for a short time.
• If you see a child alone in a locked vehicle, call 911 immediately. Stay with the child until help arrives.

It’s never safe to leave a child unattended in a vehicle. For additional strategies or for more information, visit the Texas Heatstroke Take Force website.