Recently, Richmond Ambulance Authority’s (RAA) Lead Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), Captain Veronica Ruffin, spoke with 8News Assistant News Director, Katie Wells, for the station’s “Kids These Days RVA” podcast. The conversation centered around child car seat safety ahead of the summer travel season and the dangers of leaving kids in hot cars. Some of the highlights included:

Child Car Seats 

Make sure you have the right seat for your child before installing. Whether it be a seat for an infant, toddler, or older child, you want to make sure the seat is age-appropriate for your child. There are so many different seats out there and some are for specific ages and weights, so make sure you’re using the right one. Next, you’ll want to read the owner’s manuals for the seat and your car. This will help you find the best place to put your child’s car seat, whether you’re using the seat belt or the latch system to secure the seat to your vehicle.

Seats may vary in price, but regarding safety, all seats available for purchase in the store have passed the rigorous safety standards set by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration.

In a crash, an incorrectly installed seat could leave your child with serious injuries and, in worst-case scenarios, it can even be fatal. That’s why it’s so important to have a certified technician inspect the seat and let you know whether it’s installed correctly. Richmond residents can sign up to schedule a time to have their child’s car seat inspected.

Never Leave a Child in a Hot Car

  • A child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s.
    • When left in a hot car, a child’s major organs begin to shut down when their temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit (F).
    • A child can die when his temperature reaches 107 degrees F.
  • Cars heat up quickly! In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up 20 degrees F.
  • Cracking a window and/or air conditioning does little to keep it cool once the car is turned off.
  • Heat stroke can happen when the outside temperature is as low as 57 degrees F

If you see a child that’s been left in a hot car, call 9-1-1.