High temperatures inside vehicles can quickly lead to heat shock, seizures, coma, and even death, especially in young children.
According to the U.S. National Safety Council, an average of 38 children under the age of 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in cars. Young children are particularly at risk for heatstroke when left alone in a vehicle because their bodies heat up nearly five times faster than adults, according to Emergency Physicians.
In a previous interview, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Hong Con from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, stated that the most dangerous aspect of being trapped in a confined space is the exhaust gases from cars, motorcycles, and internal combustion engines that run on gasoline.
Being trapped in a car, whether due to an accident or not, poses many dangers. (Photo: AI).
The open exhaust gases create opportunities for carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to infiltrate the car, causing asphyxiation and potentially leading to death. Notably, these gases are painless, allowing victims to die quickly and peacefully, as if they were in a deep sleep.
Additionally, according to a summary from Emergency Physicians, being trapped in a vehicle poses several risks, including:
Heat Stroke: As the temperature inside the car rises, the body attempts to regulate itself by increasing sweat production, heart rate, and respiration. However, if the body cannot adjust in time, it can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal in severe cases.
The risk of heat stroke is higher on hot days. Furthermore, dark-colored vehicles can absorb more heat than lighter-colored ones.
Asphyxiation: When the car is sealed, the oxygen supply will gradually diminish. As blood oxygen levels drop, the brain will begin to function less effectively, leading to symptoms such as confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and death.
Dehydration: Due to the hot environment and lack of drinking water, the body can quickly become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and fatigue. Prolonged dehydration can result in multi-organ failure and death.
According to experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, under normal temperature conditions, a healthy adult can survive in a sealed vehicle for about 4-6 hours. However, children may only endure for 2-3 hours.
In addition to the direct effects on the body, being trapped in a vehicle also poses several other risks, including:
- Accidents: If the vehicle is submerged in water or involved in an accident, individuals trapped inside will face a higher risk due to difficulties in escaping.
- Psychological Effects: Being confined in a tight space with limited oxygen can lead to anxiety, panic, and even mental breakdown.
After incidents of leaving children in cars, important lessons must be learned by parents, caregivers, and drivers: always check the vehicle thoroughly when transporting young children, never leave children or pets alone in the car, even for a short time.
Ensure that children are always supervised by adults when in or around vehicles. Furthermore, parents and adults should also teach children skills such as how to unlock doors and escape from the vehicle in emergencies; equip the car with a rescue hammer to break windows if necessary.
