Avoid Summer Tragedy: Never Leave Kids In Cars
Posted July 7, 2014 03:30 am
TALLAHASSEE, FL – It's a parent's worst nightmare, but it happens every summer. Kids suffer heatstroke after being left in hot cars. In some cases, they die.
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According to Phyllis Larimore, a nurse and car seat safety specialist at Children's Mercy Hospital, children left in cars can suffer fatal hyperthermia in just minutes, even when outside temperatures are mild. Often, a change in routine is what increases risk.
"Children have stopped going to school," said Larimore.
"There's something new, or someone else is taking them
to the daycare. These things happen across all
socioeconomic strata, all types of parents."
A Rockledge father was charged in late June with
manslaughter after he left his nine-month old daughter
in his truck.
Nearly 400 children have died in hot cars in the past
decade, according to the group
KidsAndCars.org.
Dr. Eric Kirkendall, Division of Hospital Medicine at
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, said
children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses,
making it critical that they stay hydrated and limit
their exposure to the sun.
Kirkendall said excessive sun exposure can lead to heat
exhaustion, heat cramps and heatstroke.
"Hot, flushed skin typically is associated with high
fevers, over 104 degrees," said Kirkendall. "That's when
kids will also start to have altered mental states.
They'll start getting really confused, and in some of
the worst cases can have seizures."
Kirkendall also recommended making sure children wear
sunblock and light-colored, loose clothing when
outdoors. He also advised against being outside between
noon and 6 p.m.
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