Rising Heat-Related Deaths: Alarming Increase in Child and Pet Fatalities Nationwide
Heat-related deaths among children and pets have witnessed a concerning surge across the United States. While Hawaii has been successful in safeguarding keiki (children) and pets from heat-related injuries, the rest of the nation has experienced an alarming rise in fatalities. Tragically, 14 children have already lost their lives due to hot car incidents in 2023, as reported by kidsandcars.org.
Dr. Paul Eakin, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Kapi’olani, emphasized that children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses than adults. Their body temperature can elevate three to five times faster, making even a short period inside a car potentially dangerous. Opening windows or parking in the shade does not alleviate the risk, as children cannot sweat like adults. Dr. Eakin shared a sobering anecdote of a teenage tourist who suffered from heat stroke while hiking, requiring intensive care.
Heat stroke becomes a serious concern for children when their internal temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit, potentially leading to a fatal outcome if it surpasses 107 degrees. The vulnerability extends to pets as well, with PETA reporting a distressing number of 69 animal deaths this year alone due to being left outside or in hot cars. This figure is the highest in recent years and reflects a mere seven months of data.
Brandi Shimabukuro from the Hawaiian Humane Society highlighted the risks associated with leaving animals in cars, even at moderate temperatures. Dogs and cats do not possess sweat glands like humans do, making it difficult for them to regulate their body temperatures in extreme conditions. It is advisable to leave pets at home with suitable shelter and an ample supply of water instead of risking their well-being for a brief errand that can quickly escalate.
Shimabukuro advised pet owners to plan their walks during cooler times of the day, such as mornings or evenings when the asphalt is not scorching hot. If the pavement is too hot for one’s feet, it is equally uncomfortable for pets. A simple trick to ensure safety is to place the back of one’s hand on the asphalt— if it feels too hot, it undoubtedly is. If individuals come across an animal trapped in a sweltering car with no intervention in sight, Shimabukuro urges them to dial 911 and locate the owner promptly.
The escalating number of heat-related deaths emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and implementing preventive measures. The severity of the situation warrants immediate action to protect vulnerable members of society—children and pets—from the perils of extreme heat. With suitable precautions and responsible actions, we can mitigate these avoidable tragedies and ensure a safer environment for all.
