How to act if we see a child with a heat stroke locked in a car?

Unfortunately, every summer we hear news of children who have died after being left behind by their parents locked in the car and having suffered a heat stroke.

We would never like to face this situation, but remember that a child inside a car parked in the sun in summer and without ventilation can reach 42 or 43 degrees of body temperature and die within 30 to 60 minutes. And it doesn't have to be summer, at another time of the year it can also happen. How long has the child been locked in the car when we see it? It may be in the term of risk, so we must act quickly.

How to know if you are in danger

Initially the symptoms that indicate that the baby is in danger are: rapid breathing, increased heart rate, fever, very hot skin (it can be with or without sweat, it will usually be very sweaty), intense thirst, headache, irritability, vomiting, decay and decreased level of consciousness (even with seizures).

From outside the car, some of these symptoms are evident, if you look at a child showing those signs or seems to be meaningless, we must act immediately.

In Babies and moreSeven devices and apps that prevent forgetting babies inside the car

This is stated by the Spanish Primary Care Society (SEPEAP). Call emergency services, since the forecast depends on the speed of action. These are the recommended steps:

How to act: steps to follow

  • Call emergency services.

  • While they arrive, if we don't have the keys, try to open the car maintaining the safety of the child (for example by breaking the glass of a remote window), so that it enters the air immediately and can remove it from the "oven".

  • Before transferring it to a hospital it is necessary cool the body, moving the child to the shade or to a cooler area, immersing it in warm water, applying wet cloths or wipes on the head and the rest of the body (the cloths should be changed every so often for fresh ones, as they quickly heat up) .

  • Whenever possible, use a fan Increase the cooling effect.

  • Raise the child's head and if conscious, offer liquids, preferably with salts, for example oral rehydration solution (small amounts should be offered frequently).

In this period it is assumed that emergency services will have arrived to transfer you to the hospital and continue treatment, depending on your condition, perhaps in intensive care.

As we say, hopefully we never have to apply these steps, but if we see a child with a heat stroke locked in a car, we already know what needs to be done. Your life may depend on our performance, let's not let it go.

In Babies and more A car seat with smart sensors reminds you to travel with a baby: prevents forgetfulness

Video: How to Keep Your Child Safe from Heat Stroke in Hot Cars (March 2024).