Injury Prevention Calendar

Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke

On July 3^rd, 2024, the first Texas child died this year due to vehicular heatstroke. Vehicular heatstroke is an issue throughout the U.S. and especially in Texas. This was the first 2024 child death in Texas, but the 7^th in the U.S.

Pediatric vehicular heatstroke happens when a child’s body overheats in a hot car and is unable to cool down. Heatstroke can cause permanent disability or death (Centers for Disease Control).

In June, July, and August, the risk of pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths increases. Cars heat up quickly (noheatstroke.org), and a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s body (Safe Kids Worldwide).

ACT to prevent pediatric vehicular heatstroke:

A - Avoid heatstroke-related injury by never leaving a child alone in a car, not even during a quick trip into a store. Always lock your doors and trunks—including in your driveway or garage. If a child is missing, check the pool and water sources first, then check vehicles, including trunks.

C - Create reminders. Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child's seat when it's empty and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Or place and secure your phone, briefcase, or purse in the back seat when traveling with your child.

T - Take Action. If you see a child alone in a car, take action. Call 911.

Resources:

• Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Dangers in Texas;
• Noheatstroke.org;
• Kids and Car Safety;
• National Child Passenger Safety Board;
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); and
• Safe Kids Worldwide.

Information provided by the Texas Heatstroke Taskforce.

Registration Open for Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium 2024

September 18-19, 2024, the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative will host the Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium in Mesquite, Texas. The theme of the symposium is “Coming Together to Care.” This free event is in-person only, with select sessions recorded for future viewing. Learn more and register for the symposium here.

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