How to avoid getting heatstroke in cars in Spain
Temperatures are skyrocketing in Spain and overheated cars can quickly become death traps for children and pets
Spain can get extremely hot in summer, with heatwaves and temperatures in excess of 40ºC sadly becoming more frequent. In these conditions, cars can become ovens within a few minutes, and the temperatures can actually double in just half an hour.
It’s never advisable to leave children or dogs alone in a vehicle but this advice becomes even more vital during warm spells, as the magnifying effect of the glass, dark upholstery and concentrated heat can ramp up the mercury to unbearable levels.
Once the human body reaches 42ºC the chance of suffering heatstroke skyrockets, and more than 100 children have died as a result in Europe in recent years. The most fatalities occurred in France, Germany and Italy although the US has racked up an annual death toll of almost 40, and 65% of all casualties have been children under the age of two.
Some of the symptoms of heatstroke include fever, very hot skin, rapid breathing, headache and vomiting. A child displaying any of these ailments should be removed from the vehicle immediately and immersed in water if possible; a cold compress to the head works well too. Laying the youngster on the ground with his legs raised is recommended and if he is conscious, the child should be encouraged to drink a little water with salts added to rehydrate the system.
A stitch in time saves nine
To avoid this type of incident, some countries like Italy have made child alert systems mandatory in vehicles, which emit a warning if the driver leaves the car with a child still inside. However, this is not the case in Spain.
There are a number of simple ways to keep cars cool in summer though. The inside of vehicles should optimally be between 21ºC and 24ºC and cars that have been sitting in the sun should be well ventilated before children are put inside.
Children should travel in loose clothing and while air conditioning is helpful, it should not be directed straight at minors as this can dry out mucous membranes or irritate the respiratory system.
One ingenious trick is simple and cheap to perform, as it can be done with the engine off, and can actually lower the temperature inside the car by 10ºC in as little as ten minutes.
The driver should open the car window fully before forcefully opening and closing the opposite car door several times. According to experts, the pressure-depression effect generated by the movement of the door causes a strong current of suction inside the vehicle. Thus, the hot air leaves through the door and is replaced by the cool air that enters through the open window.
Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates
Image: DGT
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