General News
16 January, 2026
AV remind of hot car danger
Victorians are being praised for reducing hot-car emergencies, but Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) message remains critical.
New figures show a 14 percent reduction in hot-car call outs across Victoria, and while AV thanks the community for its vigilance, paramedics warn the danger remains life-threatening as temperatures climb.
Over the past 12 months, AV responded to more than a thousand reports of people left in vehicles between December 2024 and November 2025.
Victorian paramedics were called to 1048 cases of people locked in cars from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2025.
This is compared to 1211 cases from December 1, 2023 — November 30, 2024.
Most of the call-outs were in the summer months. 33 percent — or 346 cases — were between December 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025.
Matt Coomber, Ambulance Victoria’s state manager — regional emergency management said the decrease was encouraging, but the numbers still show a disturbing trend.
“A parked vehicle can become deadly in minutes. Never leave kids or elderly people in cars, even for a moment,” he said.
“Inside a car, the temperature can double in minutes. That rapid rise can cause serious injury or death long before help arrives.
“Children are especially vulnerable because their body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult.”
Mr Coomber said many incidents occur in everyday situations where distractions or quick mistakes lead to a child being unintentionally locked in a vehicle.
“We know accidents happen. Keys get bumped, doors shut unexpectedly and children can play with locks,” he said.
“Always take children with you when you leave the car, keep keys with you and stay alert when loading or unloading family members.
“And if a child or anyone else becomes trapped, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Seconds matter.”
Kidsafe Victoria CEO Sarah Sexton said families often underestimate how fast conditions inside a vehicle can escalate.
“The temperature inside a parked car can be 20-30 degrees hotter than outside, meaning even on a day in the low twenties, a vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes,” she said.
“Leaving a window open has little effect on the temperature inside a parked car. It’s important to always take your children with you — every single time — and never give the keys to your child to play with.”
Ms Sexton said most hot-car emergencies occur close to home and can happen to any family, regardless of experience or intention, with keys sometimes being inadvertently locked inside the vehicle.
“It takes only a brief distraction or a quick stop for a child to be in serious danger, and the consequences can be tragic,” she said.
With warmer conditions forecast across Victoria and sustained heat expected in some regional centres, AV says the risk of hot-car emergencies is rising and the message remains critical.
High temperatures increase the risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can become life-threatening if not treated early.
To stay safe in the heat, Victorians are encouraged to drink water regularly throughout the day, keep cool using fans or air conditioning where possible, wear a hat and sunscreen, and avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day.