Few people know this, but under the sun, the interior of a car can reach up to 60°C in 30 minutes. Conditions that can endanger the most vulnerable such as children or the elderly, but also adults, when they do not take precautions.
To avoid a tragedy and preserve the whole family, Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor, shares a simple, concrete, and above all essential health checklist. Objective: leave with a light mind, even under a blazing sun.
Prepare the car and its passengers before hitting the road
Before even turning the key, you have to anticipate. First reflex to adopt: provide 1.5 L of water per person, and avoid alcohol or sodas. “Tip: freeze bottles the day before, they will act as air conditioners when melting” advises Dr. Kierzek.
In terms of equipment, sunshades are essential, especially for the rear windows and young children in car seats. Clothing also matters: choose light but covering outfits, made of cotton and light in color.
Air conditioning can help… provided you use it wisely. “Set it 5 to 7°C lower than the outside temperature to avoid thermal shock.” specifies the doctor. Finally, it is better to organize your departures early in the morning or at the end of the day to limit the risks.
During the journey, constant vigilance for warning signs
On the road, breaks are not just a luxury: they are vital. Every two hours, stop, walk a little in the shade and wet the back of your neck to bring down your body temperature.
Children require special attention. Never leave them alone in a car, even for a minute. The danger is immediate. “Every year there are dramatic stories related to heat, such as
last week again” recalls Dr. Kierzek sadly.
Good reflexes in case of heat stroke
Even with all the precautions in the world, discomfort can occur. Certain signs should alert you immediately: abnormal redness, drowsiness, vomiting… In these cases, you must act without delay, by adopting the right actions quickly.
“Stop in the shade, hydrate slowly, and cool the person with a damp cloth on the forehead and neck” advises the doctor.
This type of emergency can escalate within minutes, especially in children or the elderly. Hence the importance of recognizing the symptoms in time and calling for help if the condition does not improve.
By anticipating correctly and respecting these tips, the journey can become what it should be again: a pleasant moment, even in the middle of a heatwave.