Hot car danger & heat stroke awareness: A community-wide reminder

The Texas heat is here — and Methodist Hospital | Hill Country is proud to once again partner with Enchanted Rock, H-E-B, The City of Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg Fire & EMS, and Safe Kids Alliance of San Antonio to raise awareness about a preventable but deadly danger: heatstroke.

For the past four years, this group has brought Heat Stroke Awareness displays to Gillespie County as a powerful visual reminder of just how fast temperatures can rise inside a parked vehicle. This year’s display has been featured at the Stonewall Peach Jamboree Parade and Rodeo, followed by a stop at Methodist Hospital Hill Country and over the next few weeks will also be set up at H-E-B, Enchanted Rock, and Fredericksburg Fire Central Station at Marktplatz for the July 4th parade and the remainder of that weekend.

This eye-opening demonstration showed the outdoor temperature at 90°F while the temperature inside the parked vehicle soared to 158°F — a deadly environment in just minutes. Infants, young children, the elderly, and pets are especially vulnerable, but anyone left in a hot car is at serious risk. It only takes 10 minutes for a vehicle’s interior temperature to rise nearly 20 degrees, even on a mild day.

“Raising awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have”, said Le Ann Schumpelt, Trauma Program Manager at Methodist Hospital Hill Country. If just one person changes their habits after seeing this display, then it’s worth it.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold or clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness. If not treated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke — an emergency condition that requires immediate medical attention. Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature of 103°F or higher, confusion, hot or dry skin, and loss of consciousness.

If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately, move them to a cooler place, and use cool cloths to lower their body temperature. Do not give them anything to drink.

Tips to Prevent Heat-Related Illness (CDC):

1. Stay Cool Indoors
   • Stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible.
   • If your home doesn’t have A/C, go to a public place like a library or shopping mall.
2. Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully
   • Try to limit outdoor activities to the coolest parts of the day — early morning or evening.
   • Rest often in shaded or cool areas.
3. Wear Appropriate Clothing
   • Light-colored, loose-fitting, and lightweight clothing helps your body stay cool.
4. Use Sunscreen
   • Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down. Use SPF 15 or higher and reapply as directed.
5. Drink Plenty of Fluids
   • Stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid alcohol or sugary drinks that can cause dehydration.
6. Never Leave Anyone in a Closed Car
   • Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly to deadly levels — even with the windows cracked.
7. Check on Vulnerable People
   • Keep an eye on infants, young children, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions.

– Source: CDC, Heat-Related Illnesses