Call outs to people locked in cars

Ambulance Victoria

We know hot cars can kill…and that is why we urge everyone to remember – never leave kids, older people, or pets in a parked car.

The temperature can double in minutes. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the temperature outside.

Heat can cause illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion or lead to heatstroke which is fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases – however heatstroke is entirely preventative.

Those most at risk are older people, young children, and people with a medical condition. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult.

The latest data on Ambulance Victoria call outs to people locked in cars shows:

• Paramedics were called to 1,228 cases of people locked in cars from 1 December 2021 to 30 November 2022.
• Most of the call outs were in the summer months. 33.4 per cent – or 410 cases – were between 1 December 2021 and 28 February 2022.
• December 2021 had the most cases (165), dropping to 75 cases in June 2022.
• Of concern, numbers are already rising with 113 cases in November.
• Thankfully, treatment is most often not required. Of the 1,228 call outs, paramedics treated 198 patients at the scene and transported just 15 to hospital.
• Children below the age of 13 (newborns, pre-schoolers, schoolers, and toddlers) represent 92.5 per cent of cases reported.
• Toddlers aged 1 to 3 make up the most cases – or 62.2 per cent.
• For children under 13, 11 am was the busiest time of the day for locked in car calls outs.

The top 10 busiest suburbs for call outs were:

• Pakenham – 24 cases
• Epping – 22 cases
• Frankston – 22 cases
• Craigieburn – 21 cases
• Hoppers Crossing – 20 cases
• Narre Warren – 19 cases
• Point Cook – 19 cases
• Cranbourne – 18 cases
• Werribee – 18 cases
• Tarneit – 15 cases

We urge people to remember that heatstroke is a life-threatening condition – so don’t hesitate to call us. If you or someone else is experiencing seizures, confusion, or stroke-like symptoms, collapsing or is unconscious, contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.

If you are feeling unwell, call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24, see your doctor or local pharmacist.

If you’ve got a pre-existing health condition, take extra care. Make sure you keep up your regular health checks with your GP or specialist and that your medicines are up to date over summer.

For more information on staying safe in the heat, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au.