In the summer, as the temperatures rise and the sun shines, many children enjoy engaging in various outdoor activities while out of school.
Parents, however, must remain cautious as the sun and heat can bring not only fun but also significant dangers such as heatstroke.
Previously, we covered the risks of leaving children in hot cars, and now mother Jennifer Abma shares a cautionary tale about heatstroke from high temperatures that children can experience.
Impacted by a harrowing experience, Jennifer took to Facebook to share her story and raise awareness.
On July 14, Jennifer recounted an alarming incident on Facebook to alert all parents after a distressing event involving her daughter, Anastasia.
One hot summer evening, Jennifer discovered Anastasia in a deep sleep but suffering from severe overheating, leading to a heatstroke even without exposure to direct sunlight.
Although Anastasia recovered, Jennifer underscores the importance of heightened vigilance for parents in hot weather, whether indoors or outdoors.
Here is what the mother shared:
“One of the scariest moments I have ever experienced: a severe heatstroke. There is nothing scarier than when you can’t wake your own baby.
This incident illustrates that a child can suffer from heatstroke without sun exposure. It took 20 minutes before she woke up, and when the ambulance arrived, they brought in specialists as they were unsure of the situation, mirroring my confusion.
This serves as a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can spiral.
Anastasia had dozed off briefly, and I only realized the warmth of her room when trying to wake her up. She was drenched in sweat, her face red, clearly overheated, unresponsive for 15 minutes; the ambulance responded swiftly, evaluating her low blood sugar level at 1.2 when it should be above 4, administering sugar which swiftly brought her back in tears from the scare.
While not at fault, it’s challenging not to self-blame; this serves as a critical lesson, urging other parents to thoroughly inspect all rooms at home, as they can pose just as much hazard as a hot vehicle.
Still reeling from shock, I shudder to imagine the outcome had I not checked on her. We were incredibly fortunate yesterday, thankful for the rapid response of emergency services and Jay’s timely support.”
Therefore, be extra vigilant with your children during hot summer days. Heatstroke can strike indoors, even when you least expect it. Share Jennifer’s message with all parents you know – your alertness could save a life.
