PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- For National Heatstroke Prevention Day on Wednesday, Hasbro Children's Hospital offers these tips.
Heatstroke, which occurs when the body isn't able to cool itself and body temperature rises to dangerous levels, occurs more frequently in children. A child's body heats up three to five times faster than an adult body.
Contrary to popular belief, leaving a window slightly open does not help reduce the temperature in a parked car, and the day doesn't have to be excessively hot. On an 80-degree day, the temperature in a car can quickly climb higher than 100 degrees.
Only 18 percent of children who suffer heatstroke in hot cars are intentionally left in a vehicle by an adult. Children playing in unattended vehicles account for 29 percent of accidental heatstroke in cars, and children who are forgotten by a caregiver account for 52 percent.
For every child who dies after being left alone in a car, hundreds more are near misses.
"A car-related heatstroke tragedy can happen to anyone," said Dina Morrissey, M.D., program coordinator for the Injury Prevention Center at Hasbro. "It happens to responsible, loving parents of all races, professions and backgrounds, most frequently when routine is interrupted."
Adults should seek medical attention for a child who displays dizziness or disorientation, agitation or confusion, sluggishness, seizures, hot and dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat and hallucinations.
-- Don't leave a child alone in a car, even for a minute. Insist on this with caregivers.
-- Keep the car locked and key fobs out of reach.
-- Check that everyone is out before locking the car.
-- Put something you'll need, such as a briefcase, purse or cell phone, near the child as a reminder, especially if you're not following your normal routine.
-- Set a cell phone reminder to deliver your child to day care.
-- If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.