No existing national dataset readily identifies cases of children dying of hyperthermia in closed motor vehicles. Cases were identified by a professional librarian through Internet searches of news databases; additional information was sought through relevant discussion lists and interviews with colleagues in health departments, national organizations and federal agencies. The current analysis focuses on 45 deaths to children in family cars and daycare vans from 1995-1999. Trunk deaths were excluded. Nearly all children were aged three or younger. The cases fell almost evenly into 3 broad categories of circumstances: 1) children who, while playing, shut themselves or others into unlocked vehicles [most children aged 2-3 years]; 2) children who were intentionally left by adults [most cases aged 1-2 years]; 3) children who were forgotten through adult confusion or impairment [ages ranged from 7 weeks to 3 years]. Information was sought on the: decedent, including age, gender, length of time left,and pre-existing health conditions; responsible adult, including age, gender, relationship, intention, and evidence of impairment; vehicle, including tinted windows, locked doors, and whether child was in a child safety seat; and other factors, such as presence of other children, temperature, date, and location. Prevention strategies for each of the circumstances are suggested and increased attention to this neglected issue is urged.
Learning Objectives: Particpants will learn the characteristics of victims, motor vehicles, and circumstances under which children die of hyperthermia in the passenger compartments of vehicles. Learners will be able to: 1) describe three broad categories of circumstances in which deaths have occurred; 2) identify risky situations 3) discuss prevention strategies relevant to each of the three categories of circumstances
Keywords: Mortality, Motor Vehicles
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.