Multiple children die in hot cars in Texas as temperatures soar
While the heat that summer brings is welcomed with open arms by many, officials are reminding the public of the precautions that should be taken to keep children and pets safe from hot cars.
On June 22 a child 1-year-old child was found unresponsive inside of a vehicle while the parent was at work in Galveston, Texas. First responders provided emergency first aid to the child, who was later taken to a hospital where he died. Galveston's police department is still investigating the death and there have not yet been any names released.
Just one day before, on June 21 a 4-year-old child was found unresponsive inside a hot car in Aubrey, Texas when outdoor temperatures were around 35°C at 5:00 p.m. on that day, as reported by CBS.
A family member discovered the child and contacted 911. Paramedics and firefighters from the Aubrey Fire Department immediately began treating the child, who was then airlifted to a hospital by a medical helicopter.
Local officials have not stated how long the child was in the car for and there are currently no criminal charges that have been filed. The child remains in critical condition and the incident has been reported to family and protective services.
The National Safety Council (NSC) states that temperatures inside vehicles can reach life-threatening levels on mild or cloudy days. Each year dozens of pets and children die in hot cars, children should never be left unattended inside a vehicle.
The three main circumstances that result in deaths of children in hot cars include a caregiver forgetting a child in a vehicle (53.8 per cent), the child gaining access to the vehicle (26.3 per cent), and someone knowingly leaving a child in the vehicle (18.6 per cent).
The NSC says that strategies that help reduce child deaths in hot cars include locking your car doors, avoiding distractions, and placing an important item in the back seat as a reminder to take one last look before leaving the vehicle.
Sources: CBS | KHOU 11 | National Safety Council
