MOTORING NEWS - Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash-related fatalities among children, according to figures released for 2017 by the the American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Vehicle heatstroke occurs when a child is left in a hot vehicle, causing the child's temperature to rise quickly and fatally.
Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 40°C and the thermo regulatory system is overwhelmed. A core temperature of about 41,6° is lethal.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver or bystander of a child left in a car, it's vitally important to understand children are more vulnerable to heatstroke than adults.
Prevention
- Look before you lock. Make it a habit to look before you lock;
- Take action if you notice a child alone in a car! Protecting children is everyone's business;
- Don't wait more than a few minutes for the driver to return;
- If the child is not responsive or is in distress, immediately call emergency service for help;
- If you can, get the child out of the car;
- Spray the child with cool water (not icy water or an ice bath);
- If the child is responsive, stay with the child until help arrives;
Have someone else search for the driver or ask the facility to page them.
Warning signs
- Red, hot and moist or dry skin;
- No sweating;
- Strong, rapid pulse or slow, weak pulse;
- Nausea;
- Confusion or strange behaviour.
It is never okay to leave a child alone in or around a car. Even in cooler temperatures, a vehicle can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly, within the first 10 minutes.
Heatstroke does not only occur during summertime. This deadly condition can be contracted at any time of year.
Article: Source: NHTSA
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