Hyperthermia Deaths to Children Left in Unattended Vehicles
Dr. Lou Romig shared this link to information on Hyperthermia Deaths to Children Left in Unattended Vehicles.
Hyperthermia leading to heat stroke is a life threatening emergency. A child either because of young age, functional motor skill development, or restraint in a child passenger seat is unable to self-extricate if unintentionally left inside a vehicle.
EMS professionals can play a role in preventing this tragic emergency by:
1. Educating parents and children about the rapid rise in a vehicles interior temperature
2. Reminding parents of the importance to look before they leave the car
3. Keeping your eyes open for children left unattended inside a hot vehicle. Don’t assume an adult will return to the vehicle quickly. If in doubt call 911 and take appropriate steps to extricate the child from the car if you suspect a heat emergency.
Treat heat stroke by removing the child from the dangerous environment, beginning immediate active cooling, managing ABC life threats, and transporting to the most appropriate receiving facility.
