Officials warn against leaving kids in car

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  School has started and fall is just around the corner, but the temperature on the thermometer still reads in the 90s or more. It's important for parents to ensure they don't leave their children in the car unattended, or they could face some serious consequences, not just their children's health, but the law as well.

So far this year, more than 40 children have died in the United States due to heat stroke and about half of the cases are due to caregiver neglect, said Capt. Julia Eskuchen, 436th Medical Operations Squadron pediatrician. Even cool temperatures in the 60s can cause the temperature to rise well above 110 degrees Fahrenheit inside a car. The inside temperature can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.

"Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, can occur when children or pets are left in hot vehicles," said Captain Eskuchen. "Heat stroke is when the body can no longer regulate its temperature, and it can be fatal. It can occur in less than 15 minutes; it can occur even when temperatures are cool outside; and, cracking windows does not prevent it."

Infants and children under four years of age are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illnesses. Some symptoms of heatstroke are: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, a throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, being grouchy, or acting strangely.

These heat illnesses can have a negative impact on a child's health and that may have legal repercussions.

"Leaving a child in a car is playing with fire," said Tech. Sgt. Gary Stansberry, 436th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of plans and programs. "It can result in anywhere from a ticket to being apprehended; it varies on the severity of the case. Accidents do happen. If a parent has locked a child in their car on base, they can call security forces for assistance, and we will come and open the vehicle for them."

However, not all cases have happy endings.

The repercussions of a ticket or arrest for child neglect or endangerment can be severe. Child endangerment is a felony charge, which often results in jail time. Parents should always make sure they know where their child is at all times when they are getting out of a vehicle and remove them from the vehicle, no matter how short the errand.