On a typical summer day, the temperature inside a locked car can rise to dangerous levels very quickly-up to 20 to 30 degrees above the outside temperature.
“In 10 to 15 minutes you can have a significant crisis on your hand,” says Patrick Berry, executive director of operations at Emergency Services Telecommunication Authority (ESTA).
Mr Berry explains that young children, particularly babies, cannot adjust to changes in temperatures as well as adults. This puts them at greater risk of heatstrokes, seizures, and other heat-related illness.
“[Babies] don’t have the ability to sweat during hot climate. The brain itself gets overheated which can lead to seizures and unconsciousness,” he says.
While the thought of running a quick errand or leaving children for a minute can be tempting for a parent or a carer, Mr Berry warns it is never safe to leave children in cars, not even for a moment.
“Some people want to quickly pay a bill. They think that just by putting a little bit of air in the car, putting their windows down - that is going to be sufficient. We’re saying it’s not."
A test conducted by RACQ has shown that leaving the windows slightly open did not reduce the cabin temperatures by any significant amount.
"If you leave the car, you should always take your children with you,” Mr Berry says.
Kidsafe Victoria's 'Do Not Leave Children in Cars' campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars. Source: Kidsafe Victoria website
What can you do if you see a child alone in a car?
- If you notice that a child has been left unattended in a vehicle call 000 and ask for the Fire Brigade.
- Give your location, the vehicle registration number, the approximate age of the child and the condition of the child.
- If the car is unlocked, open the doors and shield windows with a blanket etc. and wait for emergency services – or – safely try to remove the child from the vehicle if you are concerned about the child’s condition as every second counts!
If you, or someone you know is suffering from a heat-related illness
- Call your doctor
- NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
- Department of Health & Human Services – survive the heat information in community languages.
- Maternal and Child Health Line, Victoria Tel. 132 229 (24 hours)
- St John Ambulance Australia – for information and resources on first aid
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