High temperatures mean that leaving a child or an animal in a car can have very serious consequences. The latest intervention by police officers from Bolesławiec shows that sometimes just a moment of inattention is enough for a dangerous situation to arise.
The incident was reported by a concerned mother who had accidentally locked her keys inside the car. The situation proved particularly serious because her 2-month-old baby was inside the vehicle.
After arriving at the scene, the police officers immediately began taking action. Because the temperature inside the car was rising and the infant was at risk of overheating, the officers decided to break a window. Thanks to their quick response, the baby was safely removed from the vehicle and returned to the care of its mother, unharmed and well.
The authorities remind the public that during hot weather, the inside of a car heats up very quickly and can become a dangerous trap. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable because their bodies overheat much faster than those of adults.
The police appeal to anyone who notices a child or an animal left in a locked car not to ignore the situation. First, call the emergency number 112 and check whether the vehicle's owner is nearby. Then follow the instructions provided by the dispatcher or officers.
If there is a real threat to life or health, it may be necessary to break a window in the vehicle. It is also important to remain at the scene until the authorities arrive.
The officers also emphasize that partially open windows do not ensure safety and do not effectively prevent the vehicle's interior from overheating.
The appeal concerns not only children. Leaving a dog or cat in a heated car—even for a short time—can lead to dehydration, heatstroke and, in extreme cases, death.