When You Find a Child Left in a Car

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

If you see a child alone in a car, don’t worry about getting involved in someone else’s business—protecting children is everyone’s business; besides, “Good Samaritan” laws offer legal protection for those who offer assistance in an emergency.

Here’s What You Can Do

Don’t wait more than a few minutes for the driver to return.

• If the child is not responsive or is in distress, immediately:

  • 1. 1. • Call 911.

          • Get the child out of the car.

          • Spray the child with cool water (not in an ice bath).

• If the child is responsive:

  • 1. 1. • Stay with the child until help arrives.

          • Have someone else search for the driver or ask the facility to page them.

Reference: NHTSA. “Child Safety-Heatstroke” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2020 https://www.nhtsa.gov/child-safety/preventing-heatstroke-what-do-if-you-see-child-alone-car