Summer is here and for many of us it’s a time to kick back, relax and enjoy the hot summer days. However, it’s important to remember that those hot summer days can be dangerous, especially to children, who are more susceptible to the heat. One of the places kids are most vulnerable are in hot cars.
Hot Cars and Kids
Dr. Mark Muir, the trauma medical director at University Hospital, said, “Kids are smaller and they have less surface area so they can’t get rid of heat as quickly. Adults, we sweat, we get rid of heat a lot faster. In kids, it just accumulates and skyrockets.”
This means leaving them in alone in a hot car, even for a few minutes, can put them in immense danger.
“When the sun is out, even on cloudy days, the inside of the car can become much hotter than the temperature outside,” said Jennifer Northway, director of Adult & Pediatric Injury Prevention at University Hospital. “Even on an 80-degree day, the inside of a closed car can quickly exceed 100 degrees. Cracking a window does not help keep the inside of a car cool.”
Dr. Muir says that kids left in hot cars “Can become severely dehydrated and their kidneys can start to shut down. But even more concerning is it can actually cause brain damage.”
What Can I Do to Prevent Hot Car Deaths?
First, it’s important to always remember to never leave a child alone in the car, for any length of time. It’s also important to remind your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. You can share this information by posting flyers at your child’s nursery or school or even through social media.
Dr. Muir also suggests setting a reminder for yourself when traveling. “Set your purse, your briefcase, your cell phone, your backpack, something by the child in the backseat so that you won’t forget when you get out,” he said.
There are also sensors you can purchase designed to help caregivers remember their children in hot cars.
SafeKids San Antonio and University Health
SafeKids San Antonio is a coalition of almost 30 members in San Antonio and is led by University Hospital. The purpose of this coalition is to keep kids in the community safe, healthy and injury-free.
SafeKids has resources on its website with more tips on preventing heat-related injuries this summer.
