Concern over children and pets in cars at shopping malls

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 Paramedics from ER24 have expressed concern over parents leaving their children and pets in the car while they go shopping.

"The vehicle is parked in the blazing sun with the child still inside of the vehicle, unattended. In some cases the window was left open, but does this really help?, ER24 spokesperson Werner Vermaak said today.

 Vermaak says small children and infants are affected differently than adults when presented with severe heat conditions. When a child or an infant is presented with these heat factors their bodies sweat excessively and they become severely dehydrated and lose life-sustaining electrolytes.

"If this condition is not corrected immediately the child can go into heat stroke and will be unable to sweat, thus increasing the body core temperature to a dangerously high condition. Extreme temperatures can lead to seizures, brain damage, liver or kidney failure and even death."

A motor vehicle is a metal box that can act as an oven when parked in direct sunlight or high temperatures. With outside temperatures of approximately 33 degrees Celsius, the inside of the vehicle can easily reach over 50 degrees Celsius in 20 minutes. Even with a window left open, the inside of the vehicle can reach well over 60 degree Celsius in just 40 minutes.

Extreme temperature can change a child's life in a matter of minutes.

ER24 Paramedics have advised the following:

• Under no circumstances should you leave your child (or pet) in a vehicle, even if a window is left open and you know you will only be away for a few minutes.
• Always make sure that your children have left the car with you when you arrive at your destination to avoid accidently locking them inside of the vehicle.
• If you notice a child in a vehicle, immediately try to locate the parents or owner of the vehicle and contact the Police (10111) or Emergency Medical Services (084124). Taking immediate action could save the life of the child.
• Children that were successfully removed from a vehicle after being left unattended in the heat should undergo a medical examination in order to determine if they have any signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion or stroke.