Being a parent is a tough job that comes with a lot of responsibilities and the greatest among them is keeping your child safe at all times.

One of the most alarming issues faced by parents is the risk of children experiencing heat stroke in parked cars. Every year, several cases of children dying due to heat stroke in hot cars are reported in various parts of the world.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the body overheats and is unable to cool itself down. The body’s temperature increases rapidly and can cause damage to vital organs, including the brain.

It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Why is heat stroke a concern for children in cars?

Children are at a higher risk of heat stroke in parked cars than adults. This is because their bodies heat up much faster than adults, and their ability to regulate body temperature is not fully developed yet.

According to research, a child’s body temperature can spike up to 5 times faster than an adult’s body in the same conditions.

What happens when a child is left in a hot parked car?

When a child is left in a hot parked car, the temperature inside the car can increase rapidly, even when the temperature outside is not extremely hot. A car can heat up to 19 degrees F in just 10 minutes, and up to 29 degrees F in 20 minutes.

The internal temperature can reach up to 120 degrees F or more on a hot day. This can cause the child to suffer from heat stroke, which can lead to brain damage, organ failure, and in severe cases, death.

Related Article Heat stroke danger alert: Children’s bodies overheat faster than adults in cars

How can parents prevent heat stroke in children in parked cars?

Parents can take several steps to prevent heat stroke in children in parked cars. The most important step is to never leave a child alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

It is also important to make sure that children cannot get into a parked car on their own.

Other steps that parents can take include:.

• Keeping the car locked at all times to prevent children from entering on their own
• Teaching children not to play in parked cars
• Leaving a reminder, such as a stuffed animal or bag, in the front seat of the car to remind you that your child is in the back seat
• Checking the back seat of the car before locking it and walking away
• Asking childcare providers to call you immediately if your child has not arrived as scheduled

What should parents do if they see a child alone in a parked car?

If you see a child alone in a parked car, it is important to take action immediately. The first step is to check if the child is responsive. If the child is not responsive or appears to be in distress, call 911 right away.

If the child appears to be responsive and not in distress, try to locate the parents or caregivers of the child.

The bottom line

Heat stroke in parked cars is a serious issue that parents need to be aware of. Children are at a higher risk of heat stroke than adults and their bodies heat up much faster than adults in the same conditions.

It is important for parents to take steps to prevent heat stroke in children in parked cars and to take immediate action if they see a child alone in a parked car.