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Greenville, NC – In a stark and unforgettable demonstration, ECU Health has partnered with the Greenville Police Department and the Pitt County Sheriff's Office to highlight the severe dangers of leaving children and pets in hot vehicles. The chilling demonstration involved melting marshmallows on a car dashboard, visually illustrating how quickly temperatures inside a car can soar to life-threatening levels, even on seemingly mild days.

The initiative comes as temperatures rise across North Carolina and as awareness campaigns around the country ramp up to prevent tragic heatstroke incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 38 children die each year from heat-related vehicle deaths. These deaths are entirely preventable, and ECU Health is committed to educating the community about the risks and how to avoid them.

“What we saw today was truly alarming,” stated Dr. [Insert ECU Health Spokesperson Name and Title, if available]. “The marshmallows melted incredibly fast, showing just how quickly a car can become an oven. Children and pets cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, making them especially vulnerable to heatstroke.”

Understanding the Risks

• Rapid Temperature Increase: Even on a 70-degree day, the temperature inside a car can climb to over 100 degrees in just minutes.
• Heatstroke Symptoms: Symptoms of heatstroke include high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
• Vulnerability of Children and Pets: Children's body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult's. Pets are also highly susceptible to heatstroke.

Preventative Measures

ECU Health and its partners are urging everyone to take the following precautions:

• Look Before You Lock: Always check the back seat before locking your car, even if you don’t think a child or pet is in the vehicle.
• Keep Keys Out of Reach: Store car keys out of sight and reach of children.
• Never Leave Children or Pets Alone in Cars: Even for a few minutes, it’s not safe.
• Remind Others: Spread the word to friends, family, and caregivers.
• Use Visual Reminders: Place a stuffed animal in the car seat to remind you that a child is in the back.

The demonstration served as a powerful reminder of the potential consequences of a seemingly simple oversight. ECU Health encourages everyone to prioritize safety and take proactive steps to protect children and pets from the dangers of heatstroke. More information and resources are available on the ECU Health website [Insert ECU Health Website Link Here] and through the NHTSA website [Insert NHTSA Website Link Here].

Report any suspected cases of a child or pet left unattended in a vehicle immediately by calling 911.