Northern Light Pediatrics-Newsletter

Tragedy can strike quickly for kids left alone in cars

The temperature was only in the low-60s in early June 2000 when a New Jersey mother left her 13-month-old son in the car while she visited a friend. "Jack" was in the carseat with the windows up for more than two hours. Though his mother periodically came out to check him, the third time was too late. She found him unresponsive and he later died. An hour after his death, Jack's body temperature was 108 degrees.

Experts say there is no safe time alone inside a car for a child, even with the windows "cracked." Permanent brain damage or death can occur in a short time, even when outdoor temperatures are relatively mild.

So far in 2003, 34 U.S. children who have been left unattended in or around vehicles have died, according to Kids 'n Cars, a project of the nonprofit Trauma Foundation based at San Francisco General Hospital. In 2002, 30 children died of hyperthermia (heat stroke) after being left inside a vehicle.

Children's developing respiratory system makes them more vulnerable to heat exhaustion, which occurs when heat stress causes depletion of fluids. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness and a life-threatening emergency. If a child who is dehydrated can't sweat enough to cool his body, internal temperature may rise to a dangerous level and cause heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke can include lethargy and loss of consciousness; babies can appear to be sleeping when they are actually in distress.

A survey last year by the National Safe Kids Campaign and an auto manufacturer found that while more adults overall have a greater awareness of the hazards of leaving children in or around a car, one in five younger parents said they thought it was OK to leave kids alone.

A recent study at San Francisco State University shows that even on a 73-degree day, a dark sedan reached 100 degrees after 15 minutes and 110 degrees at 30 minutes, while a white mini-van took 35 minutes to reach 100 degrees.

Parents and caregivers should follow these precautions from safety organizations:

Never leave a child unattended in or around a car. Be sure relatives and caregivers follow the same precautions.
Keep vehicles locked at all times, even in the driveway or garage. Kids have climbed into cars to hide or explore, and parents don't always know to check their vehicles.
Always ensure that all child passengers have left the car after it has been parked.
Keep the car keys and remote openers out of reach of children.
If a child is missing, check vehicles and trunks right away.
For parents concerned they might forget they are carrying a child in the car seat behind them, leave a stuffed animal in the seat. Then remove the toy and place it in the front seat every time a child is riding in the car. It can serve as a reminder that "precious cargo" is being carried.

-Alyson Sulaski Wyckoff
2003 American Academy of Pediatrics