Distressed toddler rescued from hot car after keys get locked inside

Provincial police are warning about the dangers of leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles after rescuing a toddler from a vehicle in Orillia late Wednesday morning.

Police say the vehicle’s owner called for help after the two-year-old got into the car parked in a driveway and locked the doors with the keys inside.

Officers arrived and noticed the child was showing signs of distress and broke one of the car windows.

After saving the toddler, who was sweating and red in the face, the vehicle owner was advised to take the little one for medical attention as a precaution. Police did not disclose the relationship between the child and vehicle owner.

While no charges were laid in this situation, police say it happens far too often.

“These situations can become extremely dangerous and threaten the lives of the occupants rather quickly,” OPP stated in a release.

Dangers and Prevention

Authorities warn that it takes only minutes for the interior of a vehicle to become 20C or hotter than the outside temperature, even with the windows cracked.

Even on a mild day, police say the temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and pose serious risk of heatstroke, brain damage, or even death.

“Children and pets are especially vulnerable as they cannot regulate their body temperature effectively,” OPP stated.

Police say to never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a short time, and to always check the backseat before locking a car to make sure a child hasn’t climbed in unknowingly. They also suggest leaving a personal item, like a purse, in the backseat to avoid forgetting a sleeping child or pet.

“If you can’t bring your pet with you, leave them at home in a cool, safe environment,” police advise, adding, “Consider dog-friendly destinations or pet-sitting services when running errands.”

Finally, police say to immediately call 911 if you spot a child or animal in a hot car. “Your quick action could save a life.”