Ocala, Fla.—Last week, a 3-year-old boy tragically died in Miami Gardens after being left in his father’s car as the outside temperature climbed to 93 degrees. 

The incident was the 10th time in 2022 that a child somewhere in America died under such circumstances, according to NoHeatStroke.org. 

As the local temperature continues to swelter in our community, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County implores local residents to be vigilant about preventing such incidents. 

The science 

Children can die in such instances because they are not nearly as adept at dealing with rising summertime temperatures as adults. Their core body temperature increases three to five times as quickly as an adult’s, NoHeatStroke.org reports. 

That situation is compounded inside a vehicle, where the internal temperature can escalate rapidly in a short period of time. NoHeatStroke.org points out that on an 80-degree day, which is mild for summer in Florida, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 106 degrees in just 15 minutes. 

A child left in such an environment becomes susceptible to heatstroke, which aside from car crashes is the leading cause of vehicle-related deaths among children. 

When a child’s core body temperature reaches 104 degrees, major organs begin to shut down. If that reaches 107 degrees, death can result. 

Children who begin to succumb to heatstroke will show the following symptoms: dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness, seizure, hot dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, loss of consciousness, a rapid heart rate, and hallucinations. 

If you notice a child alone in a car who seems to be in distress, do not hesitate to call 911. 

Prevention 

NoHeatStroke.org notes that the 3-year-old in Miami Gardens is the 917^th child in the U.S. to die of heatstroke in an overheated vehicle since 1998.

One important thing to remember is that this tragedy can strike any family, even the most devoted, loving and caring of parents. The child-safety group Safe Kids Worldwide says that such incidents occur most often when there is a change in the family routine.

For that reason, Safe Kids encourages parents, grandparents and other caregivers to “ACT.”

• A: Avoid heatstroke-related injuries and deaths by never leaving a child alone in a car, for any amount of time. Also make sure to lock your car when you’re not in it so children can’t access it on their own.
• C: Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car next to your child that you will need when you get where you are going. That can include, for example, a purse, wallet, or cellphone. This is vital if your family’s normal routine has changed. And make it a habit to look in the back seat or open the back door before walking away from your car no matter what.
• T: Take action if you see a child alone in a car, especially if he or she is younger. Call 911. First-responders want people to contact them. One call could save a life, and better to be safe than sorry.  

The law

One other point to be aware of: It is illegal in Florida to leave a young child alone in a car.

Under state law, a parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child under 6 cannot leave the child unattended or unsupervised in a vehicle for more than 15 minutes, or for any length of time if the motor is running or if the child is in danger or appears to be in distress.

Any law enforcement officer who observes a child left unattended or unsupervised in a vehicle is authorized to use any means deemed reasonably necessary to protect the child and remove him or her from the vehicle. In those cases, the child will be turned over to Department of Children and Families, unless the officer can locate the parents or the person responsible for the child.

These heartbreaking incidents are wholly preventable if parents, grandparents, guardians and other caregivers remain vigilant and alert when transporting children. DOH-Marion encourages all adults to pay attention before leaving their car if they have children with them. Additional information about heatstroke-related injuries and deaths in vehicles and how to prevent them can be found at safekids.org/heatstroke or at NoHeatStroke.org.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.