Sidmouth firefighters break car window to rescue toddler - safety advice issued

An 18 month old child had to be rescued from a locked car on this week prompting a safety warning from Sidmouth's firefighters.

Sidmouth Fire Station took to Facebook yesterday to ask people to find out if their car locks its doors automatically after a few minutes unattended.

Here is what a Sidmouth Fire Station spokesperson had to say on the incident: "Not every shout poses dangers to firefighters or the public but anything can go wrong if not done properly.

"Yesterday we were called to an 18 month old child that was locked inside a car. Do we force access immediately or take time to look at other ways of getting in? What if the child is in the driver's seat playing with the keys in the ignition? What if the child is very distressed being separated from a parent? What if there is a dog in the vehicle?

"Yesterday we decided access was needed quickly so a rear window was broken. All precautions and glass management procedures were used to make sure no one was at risk from injury and glass cleaned up from in the car.

"Do you know if your car locks automatically after a few minutes of shutting all the doors? I know mine does."

If you would like to read more safety advice from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, click the red button below.