Parents warned to avoid leaving kids in hot cars following surge in call-outs

Ambulance call-outs for children locked in hot cars have jumped more than a quarter in a year, prompting warnings for parents about the deadly dangers and potential of serious charges.

Authorities are warning parents to avoid leaving kids in hot cars following a rise in ambulance call-outs.

Paramedics were called to 48 reports of kids locked in cars in the summer of 2020-21 across the Barwon South West region, up 10 cases on the previous year.

“Last summer, Ambulance Victoria saw too many call-outs for kids locked in cars,” a spokeswoman said.

“We would like to remind all community members that a moment’s inattention can have tragic consequences.

“It is never safe to leave people and pets in cars.”

It is understood in almost all cases it is not deliberate and the child is often freed by the time crews arrive.

Surf Coast Local Area Commander Inspector Monique Leffanue says leaving a child unattended in a car can attract serious charges including negligent conduct endangering life. Picture: Alan Barber

Surf Coast Local Area Commander Inspector Monique Leffanue said police urged members of the public to never leave a child unattended in a car, especially on a hot day.

“Leaving children unattended in a hot car, even for a short period of time, can lead to devastating or even fatal consequences as children dehydrate very quickly in those conditions,” Insp Leffanue said.

“Putting a child’s life at risk in this way can attract serious charges including negligent conduct endangering life – but the real tragedy here is the potential harm caused to the child.

“Police are dedicated to keeping every member of our community safe at all times.

“If you come across a child alone in a car, we urge you to contact police immediately by calling triple-0.”

Barwon Health emergency department director Belinda Hibble said every year, the health service treated “a very small number” of children who had been left in cars.

“These children present with heat stroke and dehydration, and on rare occasion can suffocate or develop life-threatening organ damage,” Dr Hibble said.

“Occasionally, we see children die from being left in hot cars, which is absolutely devastating and completely preventable.

“Dehydration and heat stroke can occur very rapidly, even on cool or overcast days, because temperatures within a car can rise extremely quickly, particularly within infant car seats.”

Dr Hibble said there was no noted change this summer compared with previous summers.

Originally published as Parents warned to avoid leaving kids in hot cars following surge in call-outs