CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Seven hundred and fifty-five children have died from vehicular heatstroke since 1998 with thirteen of those deaths occurring this year, according to noheatstroke.org.
Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash-related fatalities among children. It occurs when a child is left in a hot vehicle and their core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees. A core body temperature of about 107 degrees is deadly.
To illustrate the dangers children can face Sergeant James Derico with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office volunteered to sit in a hot car. Before entering the vehicle Montgomery County Emergency Medical Services checked his vitals.
The internal temperature of the car started at 74 degrees. After only seven minutes the temperature had risen nearly 10 degrees. After 20 minutes the temperature in the car neared 100 degrees.
Due to profuse sweating, difficulty breathing, and slurred speech, Sgt. Derico decided to exit the vehicle after 20 minutes.
“Children do not compensate as well as adults so if that was a child, that child wouldn’t have even lasted 20 minutes,” said Lieutenant David Knudson with MCEMS.
(Photos: MCSO)
Keep the following prevention tips in mind during the summer:
• Look Before You Lock. Get into the routine of always checking the back seat of your vehicle before your lock it and walk away.
• A Gentle Reminder. 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 your phone, briefcase, or purse in the backseat when traveling with your child.
• A Routine Check. If someone else is driving your child, or your daily routine has been altered, always check to make sure your child has arrived safely.
• A Key to Safety. Keep your vehicle locked and keep your keys out of reach; nearly 3 in 10 heatstroke deaths happen when an unattended child gains access to a vehicle.
• Act Fast to Save a Life. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 911. Chances are the child was left by mistake. If the child appears in distress or is non-responsive, remove the child from the vehicle and spray the child with cool water.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens if you see a child locked in a hot car, immediately dial 911. It is only then that you can attempt to enter the vehicle and rescue the child.
