Former first responder reminds parents of dangers of leaving kids in hot cars

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The heat index has recently been above 100 degrees, and inside parked cars it can feel even more intense.

Now, a former first responder is sharing a warning he wants all parents to pay attention to.

“We responded along with the police department to assist in those situations,” said Former EMS Officer Rusty Lowe. “Unfortunately, some of those were bad situations.”

Lowe served with the Hoover Fire Department for three decades, and unfortunately knows all too well the devastating consequences of children being left inside hot cars.

“Some just had severe heat exhaustion, but there were some deaths,” Lowe said.

It is a situation that can take an emotional toll on families and first responders alike.

“As you can imagine, that’s a tragic situation and many rescuers have young children themselves,” he said.

Although it is hard to think about, it does happen.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 37 kids die a year from heatstroke after being trapped in a car. That is roughly two children a week during the summer.

Lowe said lives can be saved if parents leave their kids at home while running errands or take them inside the store.

“Don’t leave your kids in the car,” Lowe said. “Even if the car is running and the air conditioning’s on, you know, all sorts of things can go wrong. You know, your kids want to play around, they’re inquisitive, there’s just no telling what could happen.”

Not only are parents jeopardizing their child’s life, but their personal property is at risk.

Lowe said first responders will go to great lengths to spare a life in an emergency.

“There’s no hesitation as to where the windows are broken or whatever it takes for EMS, and police, and fire personnel, to get into a vehicle with a child in distress,” Lowe said.

Even if people do not have a child themselves, the public is urged to be the ears and eyes for first responders and pick up the phone if they see a young person alone inside a car.

“Sometimes it’s a false alarm,” he said. “Sometimes the responders to get there and, you know, it’s just a mistake, but anytime you see something like that call 911 immediately!”

The expert also said not to forget the fluffiest members of the family.

Lowe shared that the size and age of a pet can affect their heat tolerance, but just like humans, the heat inside a car can be deadly for them, too.

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