Few people know it, 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 drama and preserve the whole family, Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor shares a simple, concrete, and above all essential health checklist. Objective: Leaving with the light spirit, 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 proscribe alcohol or sodas. “”Tip: freeze bottles the day before, they will serve as air conditioners melting“Advises Dr. Kierzek.
On the equipment side, the sun visors are essential, especially for rear windows and young children installed in a car seat. Clothes also count: favor light but covering outfits, cotton and light color.
Air conditioning can help… provided you make good use of it. “”Set it at 5 to 7 ° C less than the outside temperature to avoid thermal shocks “ specifies the doctor. Finally, it is better to organize its departures early in the morning or at the end of the day to limit the risks.
During the journey, constant vigilance on alert signs
On the road, the breaks are not just a luxury: they are vital. Every two hours, stop, walk a little in the shade and wet the neck to bring down the body temperature.
Children are asking for special attention. Never leave them alone in a car, even for a minute. The danger is immediate. “”Each year, there are dramatic stories related to heat, such as Last week again“Dr. Kierzek sadly recalls.
Good reflexes in case of hot stroke
Even with all the precautions in the world, discomfort can occur. Some signs must alert immediately: abnormal redness, drowsiness, vomiting … In these cases, it is necessary to act without delay, by adopting the good gestures quickly.
“”Stop in the shade, hydrate slowly, and cool the person with a damp cloth on the forehead and the neck“Advises the doctor.
This type of emergency can degenerate in a few minutes, especially in children or the elderly. Hence the importance of recognizing symptoms in time and calling for help if the state does not improve.
By anticipating correctly and respecting these tips, the journey can become what it should be: a pleasant moment, even in the heat wave.