Danger in the heat

WITH forecasts indicating an increased risk of extreme heat over the coming months, community members are being urged to stay safe this summer and to never leave children in cars.

The advice follows data from Ambulance Victoria which revealed paramedics have responded to more than 300 reports of people locked in cars over the past three months.

This figure topped 1,240 reported instances in 2023, a slight increase on the previous year.

Children below the age of 13 represented 93 per cent of reported cases, with 63 per cent of these call outs involving toddlers.

Children and babies are far more sensitive to the heat and are at greater risk of heat stroke, brain injury, heart and lung failure, dehydration and death due to heat.

The temperature in a parked car can more than double within minutes and, even on mild days, can be 20-30 degrees hotter than the temperature outside.

This means that when it is 30 degrees, a child in a parked car could be experiencing heat of up to 60 degrees.

“We are urging Victorians to heed the warnings and never leave kids in parked cars,” Minister for Ambulance Services, Mary-Anne Thomas, said.

“Making small changes to your daily routine or leaving reminders can drastically reduce the risk of a fatal mistake.”

Tactics community members could work into their daily routine to lower the risk of accidentally leaving a child in a hot car, include:

• Open the back door of the car each time after parking, even if there is no child in the back seat
• Leave everyday valuables such as a bag, phone or wallet in the back seat of the car as a reminder to check every car seat
• Place a child’s bag or toy in the front seat as a reminder, and
• Install electronic controls that create an audio reminder to check every car seat

Despite the misconception, leaving the windows of a parked car down does little to reduce its internal temperature.

In Victoria, it is against the law to leave a child unattended in a car and penalties include jail time of up to six months.

Ms Thomas said it was also critical for community members to follow simple steps to survive the heat expected this summer.

Extreme heat kills more people than any other disaster and high temperatures increase the risk of serious heat-related illnesses including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Adults over the age of 65, babies and infants, pregnant women, people with acute or chronic health problems and people who are socially isolated are at greatest risk of harm.

It is recommended that Victorians:

• Drink plenty of water and stay cool by seeking out air-conditioned buildings
• Plan ahead and schedule activities for the coolest part of the day
• If outdoors, seek shade when possible, wear a hat and sunscreen and avoid exercising in the heat
• Check in on those most at risk

If you or someone you know is showing signs of heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or other health emergencies, called Triple Zero (000) immediately.

For urgent care not requiring an emergency response, contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, visit a Priority Primary Care Centre, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24 or visit a GP or local pharmacist for advice.

For more information, head to betterhealth.vic.gov.au