Kids locked in hot cars as Melbourne swelters

At least two children a day are being left in cars across Melbourne, as alarming figures reveal which suburbs had the worst call-outs for the deadly offending.

Alarming figures show which suburbs have the most call-outs for kids being locked in cars. Picture: iStock

Alarming figures have revealed that at least two children a day are reported being locked in cars in Victoria, and have revealed the list of suburbs where it’s happening the most as a warning of the deadly consequences ahead of this week’s scorching temperatures.

Ambulance Victoria says they have already received 230 call-outs for people locked in cars this summer resulting in dozens of people needing treatment and four people rushed to hospital.

It comes after paramedics were called to a worrying 1211 cases from December 2023 to November 2024.

The worst suburbs for children locked in hot cars have also been revealed with Hoppers Crossing, Frankston and Pakenham topping the list.

AV Director Regional and Clinical Operations Steve Doyle released the shocking statistics on Sunday and made the desperate plea to Victorians and parents to be careful and not leave people in cars on purpose.

There have already been more than 200 call-outs for people locked in cars this summer. Picture: iStock

“We are urging Victorians to never leave kids or elderly people in parked cars, even on mild days,” Mr Doyle said.

“The temperature inside a vehicle can double and become deadly within minutes.

“It is particularly dangerous for children to be left inside vehicles, as a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult.”

“We’re asking parents and carers to always take children and elderly people with them whenever they get out of the car,” Mr Doyle said.

“We know that children can often become accidentally locked in cars.

“We encourage parents and carers to make sure keys are kept with them and to be alert while loading family members in and out of vehicles.

“Accidents happen, and if someone does get locked in a vehicle, call triple-0 (000).”

Triple-0 Victoria Executive Director Emergency Communications Services Michael Fawcett said between December and February each year, the emergency call-taking and dispatch service receives an average of more than 480 calls from people reporting children left in hot cars.

“Last summer, triple-0 (000) calls from the suburbs of Pakenham, Melton, Hoppers Crossing, Craigieburn and Dandenong were most common,” he said.

“These incidents are still happening too frequently across the state.”

In 58 per cent of cases the child in the car is younger than three years old.

The plea comes after a young boy died after becoming trapped in a car boot in Victoria during soaring temperatures on December 17.

In most cases where a child is found locked in a car, they are younger than three. Picture: iStock

The Cobram schoolboy had been playing hide and seek in Mooroopna, near Shepparton, about 3.20pm, when he climbed into the boot of a car and became trapped.

Temperatures in the Mooroopna area on Sunday reached 35 degrees.

Weather forecasts in Victoria show the mercury is set to rise from Sunday, with temperatures hitting 38C on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Authorities are also warning the general public to take care of themselves during the scorching weather.

Authorities say to reduce the risk of heat stroke during hot days, stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, wearing a hat and sunscreen, and avoiding being outside during the hottest time of the day.

Paramedics also urge Victorians to be alert around water as crowds flock to pools, beaches and inland waterways to escape the heat.

“Read the signs around waterways and beaches to familiarise yourself with the dangers, and remember that drownings can occur in familiar locations,” Mr Doyle said.

“Be alert whether you’re planning to enter the water or not, and always keep watch on children in and around the water.

“Never swim alone, let people know where you’re going and don’t swim after drinking alcohol.”