A topic that is unfortunately still taboo
The heated surfaces then radiate longer wavelengths of infrared energy, also known as heat, that don't penetrate back out the window but instead heat the air inside.
Jan Null, who is the US's recognized expert on heatstroke deaths of children in vehicles, is to thank for most of the information we have on the subject today. He did tests on his own car and found that the temperature in the vehicle can rise more than 50°F (10°C) compared to the outside temperature. What's more, the temperature shoots up significantly in the first 10 minutes, and 80% of the increase occurs within the first half hour.
In the US alone, a staggering number of children die in accidents that are nearly 100% preventable. Parents and other adults should always be on the lookout for children left unattended in cars. It may have been the norm in the past, but the harsh reality is that leaving a child alone in a car can have deadly consequences. Cars can heat up extremely quickly posing serious health risks to children, including heatstroke. Get informed about the dangers and explore the simple steps included in this gallery to help prevent these tragedies.
Curious about how to potentially save a child's life? Click through now.
The normal human body temperature is about 98°F (36.7°C). When the core temperature passes 104° (40°C), it becomes extremely dangerous.
As time passes, the child's core body temperature rises due to the heat radiating from the car’s surfaces.
Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur in the leg and stomach. They are often the first sign of a heat-related illness or issue.
Heatstroke can occur at around 107°F (42°C). Children are usually unable to cool themselves by sweating because they haven't yet hit puberty. Their little bodies just continue to gain heat.
Heat exhaustion involves heavy sweating, weakness, tiredness, cool or clammy skin as well as a weak pulse, muscle cramps, and more. You should be concerned if it lasts longer than an hour.
Children who fall victim to vehicular heatstroke reside in three main categories. Approximately 20% are knowingly left, 25% gain access to a car and become trapped, and over 50% are forgotten.
People can go into "autopilot mode" and forget to complete unusual tasks, like stopping for milk or dropping off a child at daycare, because their brain follows familiar routines. In such cases, the brain may even create a false memory, leading them to mistakenly believe they completed the task.
In the US alone, an average of 37 children under the age of 15 die from heatstroke each year after being left in a car.
One way to increase public awareness could be through information or programs within daycares and elementary schools. Even sending a pamphlet home with a child for their parents can help spread the word and even save the life.
Sources: (National Weather Service) (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) (Scientific American) (NoHeatStroke.org) (National Safety Council) (The Weather Network) (NBC Washington)
See also: Are you teaching your children these essential life skills
Never leave a child alone in a car that's parked. You may think you'll only be a minute when in reality it can take you longer. A matter of minutes can be life or death in this situation.
If you see a child alone in a vehicle, first check if the child is responsive and okay. If not, immediately call the medical authorities.
In the US, about 37 children die every year after being left alone in cars
This information could save a child's life
HEALTH Children
In the US alone, a staggering number of children die in accidents that are nearly 100% preventable. Parents and other adults should always be on the lookout for children left unattended in cars. It may have been the norm in the past, but the harsh reality is that leaving a child alone in a car can have deadly consequences. Cars can heat up extremely quickly posing serious health risks to children, including heatstroke. Get informed about the dangers and explore the simple steps included in this gallery to help prevent these tragedies.
Curious about how to potentially save a child's life? Click through now.