A Highly Preventable Tragedy

Periodically in the news we hear the unimaginable tragedy of another infant being found dead in the back seat of a car, simply because either parent thought the other had dropped their child off at day care, or grandma for the day. Usually it is at the end of the day that the parents, each thinking that the other had picked up the baby from day care that they realize their miscommunication. By the time they discover their child still strapped in their infant seat in the back, it's too late.

The searing heartbreak that follows is accompanied by the inevitable questioning by the  authorities, media,  friends and family, and by the parents themselves, with one overriding question being asked repeatedly, "How could any parent forget their child?"

Good question. And one that is not all that easy to answer. The overall circumstances of children left in hot cars varied, with 51% being forgotten in the car by the caregiver.

In 2009, 33 children died of hyperthermia (extreme high body temperature) as a result of being left in hot cars. So far in 2010, three have died. 

These are but two examples of many statistics that were compiled by Jan Null, CCM, who is an Adjunct Professor of Meteorology at San Francisco State University.  Dr. Null has created a very interesting and important fact sheet giving a wealth of information on Hyperthermia Deaths of Children in Vehicles. We urge you to read it as it gives a comprehensive look at the statistics, and gives numerous resources and links for more information about this preventable tragedy.

But the best pieces of advice on preventing hyperthermia in a hot vehicle, and we quote Dr. Null's Fact Sheet, are:

NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE. NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE!

And

IF YOU SEE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE, CALL 9-1-1 

Finally

BE SURE THAT ALL OCCUPANTS LEAVE THE VEHICLE WHEN UNLOADING. DON'T  OVERLOOK SLEEPING BABIES!!




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