Hyperthermia is a medical term for a greatly increased body temperature. It is relatively rare, but can happen for a number of medical reasons, including infection, disease or injury. Unfortunately, with the summer months approaching quickly, it happens for another reason: Negligence. Stupidity. Your choice.
Hyperthermia - caused by leaving a child unattended inside a vehicle - often has deadly results. Already in 2009, there have been six reported infant deaths attributed to Hyperthermia; last year there were 42. On average, 38 children will die from Hyperthermia this year; that means there are still 32 children whose days are numbered.
Why does a parent or caregiver leave a child unattended inside a car? The parents and caregivers of 361 children who died of Hyperthermia over a 10-year period were interviewed and the outcome was nothing short of a wake-up call.
A car’s interior temperature can rise rapidly, even if the outside temperature is mild. Cracking the windows open a bit, or even fully open, cannot effectively disperse the inside heat. In a single hour, the inside temperature of a car can go up by 43°. A child’s immature body isn’t as efficient at processing heat, and will warm up nearly 5 times faster than an adult’s.
We’ve all been guilty of leaving the sleeping baby until last when emptying the car of its groceries and packages. ”Let sleeping baby’s sleep.” We’ve all heard that. Fine, but bring the sleeping baby inside, car seat and all if you have to.
Never leave a child inside your car. Not for the 10 minutes while you unpack. Not because you’re parked in the driveway or in front of the house. Not because you’re keeping an eye on the car. And always lock your car to prevent children from playing inside and getting trapped accidentally.
Thirty-two children are expected to die of Hyperthermia this year. Make sure it’s not a child that you love.