ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A Cleveland Clinic doctor recently warned about the severe risks of heatstroke for children left in hot vehicles, as temperatures inside a car can climb 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
The rapid increase in vehicle temperature poses a significant danger to children, who are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Even with windows cracked, the interior of a car can reach life-threatening temperatures quickly.
Dr. Genon Wicina emphasized that children are especially susceptible to heatstroke for several reasons. “The main reason is that they just have a lower surface area,” the doctor said. “They’re not able to dissipate the heat nearly as much as an adult. Children get themselves in situations in cars where they don’t know what to do to get them out of it,” the doctor explained. “So, if they’re feeling hot, they may just start feeling sleepy instead of saying, I need to open up the car door and get out.”…