What is Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke (PVH)?
Vehicular Heatstroke is when an injury or death to a child, vulnerable adult or animal occurs in a vehicle. The term pediatric vehicular heatstroke (PVH) is used to describe when a child suffers injury or death under these circumstances.
This website provides users with links to national and state heatstroke task forces. These task forces are developed and activities are carried out by volunteers and safety advocates from different professional backgrounds. Please contact [email protected] for information about starting or joining a task force in your area.
Three Primary Circumstances for Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Occurrences
Forgotten
52.6% of children who have died from vehicle heatstroke were forgotten by their caregiver. Since 1998, 505 children have died from vehicular heatstroke after being forgotten. Many of these cases occur at the caregiver’s workplace.
Gained Access
23.8% of children who have died from vehicular heatstroke gained access to an unlocked vehicle. Since 1998, 237 children have died from vehicular heatstroke from gaining access to a vehicle. Most cases occur at the family home or in the neighborhood.
Knowingly Left
21.8% of kids who have died from heatstroke were knowingly left by a caregiver. Since 1998, 202 kids have died after being knowingly left by their caregiver. Most cases occur at shopping centers, entertainment venues or at the caregiver’s workplace.
Get Involved!
State Vehicular Heatstroke Task Forces
Advocates from across the country are working to prevent vehicular heatstroke. Visit state specific task forces to learn how they are working to prevent these tragedies. COMING SOON!
National Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Stakeholder Workgroup
The National Safety Council, in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has developed the Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Stakeholder Workgroup to study and develop countermeasures to prevent child hot car injuries and deaths.
Members focus on legislative/policy change, technology development and education/outreach. The workgroup is comprised of individuals from different educational, professional and community-based backgrounds, all striving to bring a Safe Systems approach to PVH prevention.
The Pediatric Vehicular Stakeholder Workgroup is always seeking input from new voices. If you are interested in being a part of this safety solution, please contact the program manager at [email protected].