By statistic—A child dies form heatstroke about once every 10 days from being left unattended in a hot vehicle. Heatstroke is the number 1 leading cause of NON-CRASH vehicle fatalities for children under the age of 15. These types of child deaths are 100% preventable.
A child’s body absorbs more heat on a hot day than an adult.—just because we do not feel the effects of the heat, it doesn’t mean the children are o.k.
High body temperature can cause a child permanent injury or even death.
10 minutes is all the time it takes for a car to reach deadly temperatures.
Heatstroke can occur in temperatures as low as 57 degrees.
Remember to NEVER leave your child alone in a vehicle–even for short periods of time.
From 1998-2014 636 children died due to heatstroke.
53% of child death heatstroke cases, the child was “forgotten” by caregivers
29% of child heatstroke cases, the kids got in the vehicles on their own.
17% children were intentionally left in the vehicles by an adult.
SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE:
Red, hot and moist or dry skin
No sweating
A strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Being grouchy or acting strangely.
We are asking the publics assistance in helping to prevent these types of tragedies from happening. Be aware when in parking lots, garages, anywhere vehicles may be parked,for any small children left unattended in vehicles. Notify law enforcement at once and try to stay with the vehicle until help arrives.
With the higher summer temperatures, we are also reminding everyone in addition to keeping an eye out for children at risk, the elderly and those with medical issues need proper care also. If you have an elderly neighbor or relative, check on them often during days with high temperatures, make sure the have fans, a/c. etc that is needed to keep them comfortable. Regular fluid intake is a must, stay away from alcohol and caffeine—
Also if you have pets make sure they have adequate shade and plenty of water at all times.
More information is available at SAFECAR
Sheriff John D Merchant
Brown County Sheriff’s Office
709 Utah Street
Hiawatha KS 66434
(785) 742-7125
