As temperatures begin climbing, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital wants to make sure you have all the information and tools you need to keep your children safe this summer.
That’s why RWCH invites you to attend a “Don’t Forget Me” event from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 22 in front of Medical Terrace.
Everyone who attends the drive-through safety event will receive a free “Don’t Forget Me” mirror hanger for their rear-view mirror – reminding them to look in the backseat before exiting their vehicle.
Last year 42 children died in the United States after being left unattended in a vehicle. Children are especially vulnerable when left in a hot car because their body temperatures warm 3 to 5 times faster than adult body temperatures.
“Though the number of deaths throughout the country from children left in hot cars doesn’t sound like a lot, we all know that just one death is too many,” said Karen Hathorn, MSN, RN, NEBC, Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital administrator. “This event gives us a chance to remind parents of the danger and give them a tool they can use to keep their children safe.”
The majority of children who perish in hot vehicles are 12 months or younger. And the heat inside a car can rise to dangerous levels within 10 minutes.
Participants can also take advantage of a free car seat check.
“We provide car seat checks monthly at Rapides Regional Medical Center,” said Theresa Hood, RNC, BSN, MD, Director of Education. “And of those who stop by, very few of those are installed correctly. I would estimate that 98 percent of them are installed incorrectly or are under recall. We know that car seats, when installed correctly, significantly improve the outcome for children involved in motor vehicle accidents. And with so many families making travel plans for the summer, this is the perfect time to check that off the list.”
The first 100 cars who attend the Don’t Forget Me Event will receive a first aid goody bag – and everyone who attends will be entered in a drawing for one of 10 free car seats or Disney gift basket.
Those who cannot attend the May 22 event may request a FREE Don’t Forget Me mirror hanger by calling (318) 769-3135, by filling out a form at rapidesregional.com or by sending your request, along with your name and mailing address in a Facebook message to Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital.