Always take children, pets, elderly when leaving vehicle

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Hensley
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZONA --  The thought of leaving a child in the car during the summer might seem impossible, but it happens. A variety of things including changes in routine for families or just being a new parent can lead to forgetting a child who is fast asleep in the back seat of a car.

In some cases it may be tempting to leave a child in the car if going into a store for "just a minute" or "just to grab something." In every case, children should be taken out of the car and into the store with the parent or care giver. It is extremely hazardous to the child's health, especially with Arizona's summer heat.

"It's important to not leave children locked in the car during the summer, because it could or will result in a fatality," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Mavrakis, 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety NCO-in-charge. "It's important to remember your children are with you. Placing something in the car as a reminder to not forget there's a child in the car is a good practice."

This isn't restricted to only children. Pets and the elderly can also become overheated when left in vehicles.

"Temperatures can reach in excess of 140 degrees in the not even the worst of conditions," said Maj. Peter Easter, 56th Medical Operations Squadron medical director of pediatrics. "In a car with temperatures that high, children will dehydrate, overheat and can eventually suffocate. In extreme scenarios where the child's body temperature goes over 106 degrees, the child would likely suffer seizures, coma and death."

One thing that can help is to roll down windows before exiting the vehicle.

"If a child is left in the car, call 911 immediately and follow their instructions," Easter said. "I've seen several incidents without any fatalities or foul outcomes. For example, in one such incident, the car was running with the air conditioning, 911 was called and the car was opened. The children inside had no adverse health problems and the car was opened without damage."

When happening upon a car with someone in it, an important thing to remember is to remain calm and check to see if the doors are locked.

"What everyone with children, pets or an elderly person should take away from this is to be conscious of what or who is in the car with you, and don't leave them in the there," Easter said.