Prisma Health warns about leaving kids in hot cars (Page 273)

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, a child
dies from heatstroke in a vehicle about every 10 days. In more than half of
these deaths, the caregiver forgot the child was in the car. Dr. Erin Ricker,
pediatric intensivist at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands, has seen
the tragic results of children being inadvertently left in hot cars.

With high temperatures across much of the
south, Ricker reminds people children have died from heat stroke in a vehicle
with outside temperatures as low as 57 degrees Fahrenheit (F).

“A child’s body heats up three to five times
faster than an adult’s body. The temperature inside a vehicle can reach
life-threatening temperatures rapidly,” said Ricker.

Results of heat illness can be severe and
permanent.

In 2018, 51 children died from heatstroke,
the highest number of deaths on record. Since 2015 there has been a gradual
increase in annual deaths:

2015 – 24 deaths

2016 – 39 deaths

2017 – 42 deaths

2018 – 51 deaths (highest on record)

Heatstroke deaths have been recorded every
month of the year in nearly all 50 states.

There are a staggering number of near misses
– children who were rescued before they died. One county in Florida reported
more than 500 near misses in a single year.

In just 10 minutes, a car’s interior
temperature can rise by 19 degrees. Between one and two hours, it can rise
45–50 degrees. “Leaving the windows cracked does not make a significant
difference, so it is not an acceptable compromise,” said Ricker.

Hyperthermia (heat-stroke) is the leading
cause of non-crash vehicle deaths for children under the age of fourteen. Heat
stroke can occur when a person’s temperature exceeds 104 degrees F and their
body’s temperature regulating system is overwhelmed.

Symptoms of hyperthermia include:

Dizziness

Disorientation

Agitation

Confusion

Sluggishness

Seizure

Hot skin that is flushed, but not sweaty

Loss of consciousness

Rapid heartbeat

Hallucinations

“Everyone thinks it couldn’t happen to them,
but a parent who is distracted might inadvertently leave a child in the car,”
Ricker said. “A caregiver who is not the person usually responsible for the
child can forget there is a child in the car, especially if the child is quiet
or sleeping.”

A core body temperature of 107 degrees F can
be lethal, as cells may be damaged and internal organs shut down. Cases of
death from hyperthermia in vehicles have happened to children from newborn to
age 14. More than half of these deaths have occurred in children under the age
of two.

Top Safety Tips

Safe Kids is asking everyone to help protect
kids from this preventable tragedy by remembering to ACT.

A: Avoid heatstroke-related injury and death
by never leaving a child alone in a car, not even for a minute. Additionally,
make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not inside so kids don’t get in
on their own.

C: Create Reminders. Keep a stuffed animal or
other memento in your child’s car seat when it’s empty, and move it to the
front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Or place
and secure your phone, briefcase, or purse in the back seat when traveling with
your child.

T: Take Action. If you see a child alone in a
car, call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call. They are trained to
respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

Call 911 immediately if you see a child left
alone in a hot vehicle. When children are in distress due to heat, get them out
of the vehicle as quickly as possible.

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Prisma Health warns about leaving kids in hot cars (Page 273)

Prisma Health warns about leaving kids in hot cars

State Fair’s to offer new attractions

Dominion Energy releases water into the Saluda for good cause

Mast Store celebrates Land Trust Day June 1

Prisma Health recognizes gold nurses

State Museum announces new 4D movie

Airman Jasmine S. Hall

Arts program aims to help veterans

Prisma Health-Midlands offers same-day care options

The Comet launches vanpool program

Guardian ad Litem programs needs volunteers

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