When finding a child abandoned in a vehicle during cold weather, what should be your priority?

The priority in this scenario is to provide warmth and get the child to a warmer location. In cold weather, a child left in a vehicle is at significant risk of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses. The immediate focus should be on addressing this risk by getting the child out of the cold environment and into a space where they can begin to warm up.

Providing warmth is crucial because the body’s core temperature can drop rapidly in cold conditions, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. Getting the child into a warmer location allows for the implementation of appropriate warming strategies, such as removing wet clothing and providing dry, warm blankets or clothing.

While checking for visible injuries is important in any emergency situation, the risk of hypothermia takes precedence in this context. Immediate actions to warm the child provide the best chance of preventing serious health complications. Chemical heat packs can be a useful tool after the child has been brought to a warmer location, but using them immediately without relocating the child does not effectively address the overall risk. Waiting for EMS outside the vehicle could further expose the child to the cold, delaying necessary care.