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:
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:
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