Below shows a hypothetical situation where a baby or young toddler was
unintentionally left in a vehicle for 10 minutes, the outside temperature of 80 ̊ F (26 ̊ C), the vehicle internal temperature would be 99 ̊ F (37 ̊ C). After an additional 20 minutes, the outside temperature remains at 80 ̊ F, while the internal vehicle temperature would be 109 ̊ F (42 ̊ C), and after 40 minutes, 118 ̊ F(48 ̊ C) respectively.
As previous postings indicate, when a baby’s or young toddler’s internal
temperature hit 104 ̊ F (40 ̊ C), major organs such as heart and liver can
begin to shut down. Heatstroke is usually fatal once the child temperature hits 107 ̊ F (41.6 ̊ C).
Here are some helpful tips when it comes to prevention of PVH:
Never leave your baby or children unattended in a parked vehicle. As we have discussed in our previous postings, 56% of information is forgotten within one hour! If you believe that it is safe to leave the children alone in a vehicle for one minute to stop and buy a bottle of water, it may lead to 30 minutes, or one hour of unattended vehicle parked somewhere. A small distraction can quickly change your attention focus by a phone call; a long-time friend that you have not met for a long time; a situation where you have forgotten where you parked! Each second counts, and our misconception of time can cause PVH occurrence to be fatal.
Anything can happen to children unattended in a parked car. Without parents to monitor their baby or especially young children, a safe and parked vehicle can turn into an oven. We have heard news where occurrences such as unintentionally engine shut off by children; accidentally locked vehicles; accidental parking brake release and other unthinkable acts did happen. Was it worth that unattended one minute scamper to buy a bottle of water and risk the unthinkable?
Do not think that leaving a crack in the window can prevent PVH. As research showed, leaving a crack in the window does not prevent the temperature in the vehicle from rising. This misconception is the main cause of this tragedy as the temperature in the vehicle rises exponentially and any baby or young toddler left in the car can become seriously affected within few minutes.
Do not leave car keys laying around for easy access to children. Young
toddlers are often times susceptible to danger. There were documented occurrences where toddlers were found playing hide and seek in a vehicle and they were unaware of the dangers to rising temperature in vehicles. Recorded data indicated 3 in 10 heatstroke deaths happened when unattended children gained access to a vehicle. Ensuring that car keys are stored safely not within reach of children can prevent them from being locked in a vehicle. Parents can also teach children that cars are never considered play areas, and vehicles are always locked.
It can happen to anyone, including you. Never think for a minute that you are immune to these instances. It could happen to the most caring parent or caregiver. According to statistics, 46% of infant deaths are related to caregivers who have forgotten to drop them off to pre-school or day care!
Always check the backseat to ensure that we have not left any
baby or young toddler there. Currently, there are numerous technological reminders built in vehicles that assist to remind us to check the backseat areas. Parents should do what it takes to prevent any further PVH cases from happening.
906 dead!
Since 1998, there are 906 infants and/or babies have perished due to PVH. Let us not forget, let us not assume, let us pay attention, let us do what we should do. Take good care of our babies and young toddlers so that we can take necessary steps to look after our children and stop this tragedy from happening.
