“Not Even for a Minute”: Sophie's KISS Program for Child Hyperthermia Prevention

According to the Missouri Department of Health, from 2000-2010, there were 12 (5%) deaths related to hyperthermia of children less than five years of age. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised parents to keep toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age two; increasing the probability the number of unintentional hyperthermia deaths could increase among this age group. After the tragic loss of a baby due to hyperthermia, Sophie's KISS (Keeping Infants Safe and Secure) program was created by a pediatrician to promote infant safety by raising parent awareness about the dangers of leaving their child unattended. The program is implemented at a safety store within a nationally recognized pediatric hospital. Program participants hear Sophie's story and receive educational materials during a hands-on presentation by certified passenger safety technicians. Those who participated in the program from January 2010 to July 2011 were surveyed. The survey consisted of ten questions designed to capture program material usefulness, knowledge of educational components, and if information was shared with others. Responses from 242 participants were collected using electronic and phone survey methods. Results indicate Sophie's story and the educational materials changed the perceived risk of leaving a child in the car unintentionally for 59% of participants. 90% of participants shared their knowledge with others. The program achieved its goal of helping participants understand the dangers associated with leaving a child in a car unattended and importance of always remembering when their child is in the backseat.