Mechanicsburg, Pa. – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), since 1998, 719 children have died due to heatstroke after being left or trapped in a hot vehicle. Heatstroke Awareness Day is Tuesday, July 31st.
The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA) reminds individuals to never leave children alone in a vehicle, and to call 911 if you see a child alone in a car.
Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle fatalities for kids 14 and younger in the United States. Vehicle heatstroke occurs when a child is left in a hot vehicle, allowing the child’s temperature to rise quickly. Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit. A core body temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit becomes lethal.
Krista Brands, ATSPA CEO stated, “An outside temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit can raise the interior vehicle temperature to 109 degrees Fahrenheit in just 30 minutes. It’s crucial to always look before you lock and to take action if you see a child alone in a car, even on cloudy days.”
The American Trauma Society, PA Division (ATSPA) is a non-profit trauma prevention education organization dedicated to reducing suffering, disability and death due to trauma. The ATSPA strives to help all Pennsylvanians survive and lead healthier lives through its trauma prevention education programs. For information, call 717-766-1616 and visit www.atspa.org.
You Might Also Like
Reoccurring Activities and Events at the VRC 8-7-18
Guardianship Services 10-2-18
