Pediatric Vehicular Hyperthermia Injury: Feasibility of Data Collection

Abstract

Pediatric vehicular hyperthermia (PVH) remains a critical public health issue, characterized by the rapid and dangerous increase in a child’s body temperature when left in a hot vehicle. Despite public awareness campaigns and legislative efforts, PVH continues to account for an average of 37 fatalities annually in the United States. PVH cases are a combination of complex situations involving the unique vulnerability of children to hyperthermia and caregiver memory lapses, intentionally leaving a child unattended, and children gaining access to vehicles. The research conducted aimed to assess the feasibility of collecting detailed data on non-fatal PVH cases, which are currently underreported and poorly understood. This investigation utilized interviews with personnel from a variety of organizations likely to be involved in PVH incidents, such as police departments, fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), and hospitals. The findings revealed critical gaps in the existing data collection systems that impede accurate tracking and reporting of PVH events. None of the interviewed organizations had specific data fields to capture PVH cases, leading to the reliance on narrative fields, which are inconsistent and subjective. This research hence highlights the need for the implementation of required, standardized data fields across national databases, such as the National EMS Information Systems (NEMSIS) and the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), as well as within hospital coding systems. Furthermore, the addition of a specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code for PVH is recommended to facilitate more accurate case tracking once medical organizations are involved. Improved data collection and reporting would provide a clearer understanding of the prevalence of PVH and guide more effective public health interventions and legislative actions.