What To Do If You Spot A Child Alone In A Hot Car

Important Information

What should your immediate action be if you see a child left in a hot car? Are there legal consequences for breaking a window to rescue a trapped child? Here’s expert advice on how to handle this critical situation.

By Jamie Carter
Updated: Oct. 9, 2022
Originally Published: Aug. 8, 2022

It’s a tragic scenario that plays out far too often in the news: a child inadvertently left in a car seat while parents run errands or head to work, suffering from heatstroke while the adults remain blissfully unaware of the danger. While you may believe such a thing could never happen to you, fatigue and mental overload can lead anyone to forget important responsibilities. As heart-wrenching and unimaginable as it is, this can occur. Encountering a child alone in a hot vehicle is alarming, but what should you do in this frightening situation? Could you face legal repercussions if you take extreme measures, like smashing a window?

Given the various factors involved, it’s understandable to feel uncertain about how to act when you spot a child (or even a pet) alone in a sweltering car. Your instinct may be to call 9-1-1 or attempt to break the window, but many witnesses hesitate. What if you don’t hear the engine running? What if it’s just an incredibly lifelike doll? Can you afford to repair the window if you break it? Some might advise you to mind your own business, but when a life is at stake, it’s crucial to make a confident decision quickly. Here’s what experts recommend.

Never leave a living being in a sealed, turned-off vehicle.

It’s essential to remember that even on days that don’t feel excessively hot, a closed car can heat up to dangerously high temperatures. Research from Good Calculators shows that a parked car can quickly reach unsafe levels based on the outside temperature and the duration it’s been parked. For instance, even at a mild 85 degrees, the inside of a car can soar to 104 degrees within just ten minutes. Temperatures above 104 can lead to severe brain damage or even death.

As global temperatures rise, what once seemed like a reasonable temperature can quickly become hazardous. When outside temperatures hit 90 or 100 degrees, the risk inside a parked vehicle escalates rapidly.

What Should You Do If You Find a Baby or Child Alone in a Hot Car?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) provides straightforward and urgent guidance:

Do not wait for the owner to return. Take immediate action.
Assess the child’s condition: Knock on the window or shout to see if they respond.
- If the child is responsive:
  - Stay with them.
  - Call for help.
  - Send someone to look for the parent or ask a nearby establishment to page them.
- If the child is unresponsive:
  - Call 9-1-1.
  - Break the window if necessary and retrieve the child.
  - Use cool water to cool them down and follow any instructions from the 9-1-1 operator.

After rescuing the child, look for signs of heat-related illnesses, such as:

Red, hot skin (either moist or dry)
Lack of sweating
Rapid or weak pulse
Nausea
Confusion or unusual behavior

Preventive Strategies

To prevent finding yourself in such a situation, consider these strategies:

Place your purse in the backseat next to the car seat. This simple trick can help you remember to take both with you.
Use visual reminders. Try placing a Post-it note on your dashboard or a rubber band around your wrist to remind you to check for your baby before leaving the car.
Invest in an AirTag. These devices, which cost about $20-40, can be attached to your child’s belongings. Your phone will alert you if you leave the designated range, ensuring you don’t forget your child.

It’s crucial to note that hot car incidents are not limited to summer months or hot climates. A child can suffer from heatstroke in temperatures as low as 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, leaving a child in a car can lead to other dangers such as hypothermia or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Related Resources

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Summary:

If you encounter a child left alone in a hot car, act immediately by assessing the child’s responsiveness, calling for help, and, if necessary, breaking the window to rescue them. Remember that extreme temperatures can arise even in mild weather, making vigilance essential. Implement practical strategies to ensure you never forget a child in your vehicle, and stay informed about the dangers associated with hot cars.