Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
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Thankfully, Underwood quickly realized what happened and took the situation into her own hands by breaking the window to get her child out. What would you do if you came across a youngster alone in a hot car?
Naturally, you'd realize how hot the interior of cars can get even when it isn't blazing outside. After all, you've gotten in your car countless times and felt the stifling heat. When it comes to kids, their body temperatures increase quicker than adults. In fact, safekids.org reports that children's vital organs start to shut down when internal temperatures reach 104 degrees.
Photo credit: YouTube screenshot
Take action: Step 1
Put yourself in that situation now. You've come across a baby or young child alone in a car. Your first instinct is to try and locate the parent(s) without leaving the immediate area. Maybe you call out and enlist help if other people are around.
Precious minutes have passed and there is no sign of the parent. So you call 911 immediately, explain the situation and follow any instructions you're given. You may be asked to evaluate the child's condition. You report what you can see; tap on the window to see if the youngster is responsive or not.
You will likely try to visually identify symptoms of heat exhaustion or worse. Heat stroke is more serious — and you may be dealing with a potentially fatal situation.
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If the parent, a police officer or a first responder has not yet arrived and the child is obviously in need of help, it is time to take action. The important thing is to get to the child as quickly as possible and better assess any heat-related symptoms.
That is why you may have to break a window. If that's the case, break one that won't cause harm with shattered glass. You may be reluctant to damage someone's car, but don't hesitate to help a child in need. Depending on the state in which you live, the law may well protect you for taking action in an emergency situation.
In Utah, The Good Samaritan Act states that "a person who renders emergency care at or near the scene of, or during an emergency, gratuitously or in good faith, is not liable for any civil damages or penalties as a result of any act or omission by the person rendering the emergency care, unless the person is grossly negligent or caused the emergency."
Take action: Step 2
By this point, you should have the child out of the car and can start treating the obvious symptoms. Hopefully, you're aware that the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention experts recommend treating heat exhaustion and heat stroke differently.
Photo credit: ksl.com
You may find it odd, but it's generally not a good idea to give fluids to anyone with heat stroke symptoms. That is especially true of any liquid with alcohol or caffeine or if the person is throwing up or unconscious.
The takeaway for this exercise is to realize that the appropriate response to this emergency situation is a willingness to act. You might be reluctant at first, but you can save a child's life by becoming a hot car hero.
Learn more by reading part one of this two-part series.
