More paramedics are being called out to rescue kids from cars parked in Wyndham than in any other Melbourne region, new Ambulance Victoria data reveals.
The figures show that 86 calls were made to triple-zero to rescue kids locked in parked cars across Wyndham in 2016, with most calls coming from Hoppers Crossing (24), Werribee (23) and Point Cook (19).
State-wide, paramedics were called to 1562 cases of kids left in cars last year, with close to 80 per cent of cases involving toddlers. Of those cases, 15 kids were treated and transported to hospital.
State health commander Paul Holman said people still didn’t seem to understand the deadly risks involved in leaving a child in a hot car.
“It is never OK to leave a child in a car,” he said.
“Even if you’re just ducking into the shops – you might get distracted or bump into someone you know and time can tick away much quicker than you realise.
“Given how much education there is about the dangers of leaving children in cars, it is disappointing that some people still decide to take that risk.”
The figures come nearly two months after Wyndham council joined Kidsafe Victoria to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving children unattended in cars.
The council has added Kidsafe “Do Not Leave Children in Cars” signage at all 24 kindergartens in the city, ensuring parents and carers doing pick-ups and drop-offs see the message at least twice a day.
It will also plug the safety message through social media. Geelong, Moonee Valley and Casey councils run similar campaigns.
Kidsafe Victoria general manager Jason Chambers said temperatures inside parked cars could be up to 30C hotter than outside temperatures and capable of exceeding 50C in a matter of minutes on a typical summer day.
