Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle – ER24 after incident
ER24 is appealing to all to never leave a child unattended inside a vehicle after another incident on the West Rand.
ER24 Emergency Services is appealing to all to never leave a child unattended inside a vehicle.
This after a three-year-old was found in a vehicle in the parking lot of at a retail centre in Strubens Valley in Roodepoort.
“An off-duty paramedic from ER24 passed the car and heard the child crying. He noticed that a window was partially open and managed to unlock the door,” said Werner Vermaak, ER24 spokesperson.
He called ER24 and the police to the scene and they responded.
Management of the retail centre provided water for the little boy. The off-duty paramedic explained that the child and car were extremely hot and the boy was sweating severely.
Paramedics assessed the little boy and monitored his vital signs before he was returned into the care of the parents,” added Vermaak.
It is believed that the boy was left in the car for an hour while the parents were inside the retail centre. The parents returned to the car while paramedics were busy assessing him. According to the parents, they left the boy in the car as he was sleeping at the time. Police attended the scene and interviewed the parents. It is understood that they will do a follow-up with the parents.
In such cases children will suffer more than adults. The reason for this is that their body surface is different to those of adults and their auto-regulation is not as effective as a healthy adult’s. Usually the effects will show much later in children but it will progress faster and be more severe.
“Excessive exposure to heat may result in children suffering seizures or brain damage. If this condition is not corrected immediately the child can go into heat stroke or heat exhaustion and may result in death.” Vermaak continues.
“A motor vehicle is a metal box that can become an oven when parked in direct sunlight or high temperatures. Extreme temperature can change a child’s life in a matter of minutes.” said Vermaak.
ER24 paramedics advise on the following:
• Under no circumstances should you leave your child (or pet) in a vehicle, even if a window is left open and you know you will only be away for a few minutes.
• Always make sure that your children have left the car with you when you arrive at your destination to avoid accidentally locking them inside of the vehicle.
If you notice a child in a vehicle, immediately try to locate the parents or owner of the vehicle and contact the Police (10111) or Emergency Medical Services (084124).
Taking immediate action could save the life of the child.
“Children that were removed from a vehicle after being left unattended in the heat should undergo a medical examination in order to determine if they have any signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion or stroke,” Vermaak added.
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