As summer temperatures soar across Qatar, health officials are issuing a renewed warning about the serious risks posed by leaving children or vulnerable individuals inside parked vehicles. The Hamad Injury Prevention Program (HIPP), part of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Hamad Trauma Center a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Trauma is leading a public awareness campaign to prevent heat-related tragedies.

According to HIPP Coordinator Tsoler Sekayan, the temperature inside a stationary vehicle can rise dramatically within minutes, often exceeding outdoor temperatures even on moderately warm days. This rapid heat buildup can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, seizures, or even death, particularly among young children whose bodies absorb heat faster than adults 

Sekayan emphasized that many incidents occur when children are unintentionally left behind, often due to changes in routine or distractions. Children with special needs are especially vulnerable, as they may not recognize or communicate danger effectively 

To help prevent such incidents, HIPP has outlined several key safety measures:

1. Always check for children before locking the car.
   Ensure all passengers, especially young ones, have exited the vehicle. Children may fall asleep or remain quiet, making them easy to overlook.
2. Search for the vehicle immediately if a child is missing.
   If a child cannot be located, check the car thoroughly, including the trunk as children may climb in unnoticed and become trapped.
3. Use visual cues to avoid forgetting a child.
   Place essential items like your phone or wallet in the back seat near your child or put their backpack or lunchbox in the front seat as a reminder.
4. Keep vehicles locked and keys out of reach.
   Always secure your car, even at home, and store keys and remote entry devices where children cannot access them.
5. Discourage play in or around vehicles.
   Children should be taught that cars are not play areas. Avoid giving them keys as toys and explain the dangers of entering vehicles unsupervised.
6. Activate child safety locks and educate children.
   Use safety features on doors and windows and teach children not to tamper with controls while inside the car.

In the event a child shows signs of heat-related illness such as excessive sweating, confusion, or dehydration, move them to a cooler area immediately and call 999 for emergency assistance 

These guidelines are part of HMC’s broader efforts to protect public health during the summer months and ensure the safety of Qatar’s youngest residents.