Millicent Spencer
Craigieburn and Epping are two of the top ten suburbs across the state for paramedics to be called out to rescue those in locked cars according to new data released by Ambulance Victoria.
Epping was the second highest suburb with 22 cases reported and Craigieburn was the third highest suburb with 21 cases reported. The most cases reported were in Pakenham with 24 calls for help.
The data reveals a large portion of the 1228 calls between December 2021 – November 2022 were made during the warmer months, prompting paramedics to remind locals to never leave kids, older people, or pets in their car this summer.
“We know hot cars can kill,” an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.
“Those most at risk are older people, young children and people with a medical condition.
“A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult.”
Children below the age of 13 represent 92.5 per cent of the cases reported.
The spokesperson said temperatures can double in minutes, so even on a mild day the temperature inside a parked car can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.
“We urge people to remember that heatstroke is a life-threatening condition – so don’t hesitate to call us,” the spokesperson said.
If you or someone else is inside a locked car you can contact triple-0.
