With the ACT set to swelter through at least another seven days of temperatures above 30 degrees, authorities are warning Canberrans not to become complacent to the risks of extreme heat.
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The ACT’s chief health officer Paul Kelly joined with ACT Ambulance Service chief officer David Foot to issue a renewed warning, a week after a 10-month-old was left in a car parked at Tuggeranong.
The baby girl was left inside the car for up to half an hour in 37 degree heat, where authorities say it could have reached temperatures of 55 degrees inside the car.
She was rescued by members of the public and later discharged from hospital.
The child's father could face charges of neglect of a child - which can carry a sentence of between 12 months and two years in jail.
The man was reportedly unaware of the danger he had exposed his child to and was concerned about his daughter.
On Friday, an ACT Policing spokesman said investigations into the incident were ongoing.
Dr Kelly said Canberrans should keep cool and well hydrated in the upcoming heat.
“Spending long periods in the sun without taking the proper precautions can lead to heat illness and heat stress,” Dr Kelly said.
‘‘Remember to cover up to protect yourself from the sun and apply lots of sunscreen.”
Anyone displaying symptoms of heat exhaustion including nausea, dizziness, fainting, weakness, headaches, vomiting and loss of sweating should be assisted to seek urgent medical attention.
Ambulance authorities in Victoria said there had been six cases of children left in cars on Thursday.
While most of the instances were accidental, one parent left three children alone in a car for more than 20 minutes in above 30 degree heat.
The ACT Children and Young People Death Review Committee said records showed the ACT had been fatality-free for the past decade when it came to children being left in hot cars.
There have been several high-profile deaths in Victoria and NSW in recent months, although a national death toll for children left in cars is not available due to different reporting requirements among the states and territories.
The chief executive of KidSafe ACT Eric Chalmers said there was never any room for complacency and KidSafe would continue to push the message about the dangers of children in hot cars – particularly in light of this new case.
“Fortunately we have not had a death in the ACT in recent years and I’d like to think we could keep it that way. We are grateful but you can never be too vigilant.”
Mr Chalmers reiterated the public health warning that cars could heat up very quickly. He said a car in the sun on a 30 degree day could reach 60 degrees in less than 15 minutes.
“Children get very distressed quite quickly and heat can do terrible damage to a child and can kill quickly.”
“Our message is to never leave a child in a car under any circumstances.”
Ambulance authorities in Victoria said there had been six cases of children left in cars on Thursday.
While most of the instances were accidental, one parent left three children alone in a car for more than 20 minutes in above 30 degree heat.
The ACT Emergency Services Agency warns Canberrans to remain indoors as much as possible during extreme heat periods.
People with illness or chronic conditions and pregnant women may also need extra monitoring and care and anyone requiring regular medications should adhere to doctor’s instructions.
