Paramedics warn not to leave kids in hot cars

By Georgia Tacey

Feb 4, 2025

Don’t leave anyone behind in a locked car this summer.

Ambulance Victoria is reminding the community about the dangers of hot cars.

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This summer, AV paramedics have responded to over 230 reports of people locked in cars.

AV director regional and clinical operations Steve Doyle said the number of call-outs during hot weather was concerning.

“The temperature inside a vehicle can double and become deadly within minutes,” he said.

“It is particularly dangerous for children to be left inside vehicles, as a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult.”

From December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, paramedics were called to a total of 1211 cases, in which 134 patients were treated at the scene. Only one patient required transport to hospital.

In summer 2024-25, so far, paramedics have responded to over 230 cases of people locked in vehicles, with 28 treated at the scene, and four transported to hospital.

“We’re asking parents and carers to always take children and elderly people with them whenever they get out of the car,” Mr Doyle said.

“Accidents happen, and if someone does get locked in a vehicle, call 000.”

Annual data of people left in vehicles for December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024

Paramedics were called to 1211 cases of people locked in cars from December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024. This is compared to 1240 cases from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023.

Most of the call-outs were in the summer months, with 36.2 per cent — or 396 cases — between December 1, 2023 and February 28, 2024.

December 2023 had the most cases (135), dropping to 60 cases in July 2024.

There were 120 cases in October and 117 in November 2024.

Thankfully, treatment is most often not required. Of the 1211 call-outs, paramedics treated 134 patients at the scene and transported one patient to hospital.

Children below the age of 13 (including newborns, pre-schoolers, toddlers and school-aged children) represent 87.5 per cent of cases reported.

Toddlers aged one to three make up the most cases — 58.3 per cent.

For children under 13, noon and 3pm were the busiest times of the day for locked-in-car call-outs.

Triple Zero Victoria executive director emergency communications Michael Fawcett said the summer months saw the highest number of children being left in cars.

“These incidents are still happening too frequently across the state,” he said.

High temperatures can increase the risk of serious heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, with heat stroke fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases even though it is entirely preventable.

Those most at risk of heat stroke include the elderly, young children and people with medical conditions, but heat illnesses can affect anybody.

“Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms such as confusion, seizures, collapsing or loss of consciousness, call 000 immediately,” Mr Doyle said.

“To reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, wear a hat and sunscreen, and avoid being outside during the hottest time of the day if possible.”

If you need urgent healthcare this summer, but it’s not life-threatening, you can seek help by walking into an Urgent Care Clinic, video call with Virtual Emergency Care or phone Nurse On Call on 1300 60 60.