Lubbock Police Lieutenant Ray Mendoza estimates the average “quick” trip to a store might take around 20 minutes. That’s the same amount of time he spent in a hot vehicle to raise awareness.

Unfortunately, he said, LPD receives multiple calls every summer of a child or pet left alone in a hot vehicle. 

According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective services, that behavior leads to almost 40 children’s deaths every year. 

Lt. Mendoza said it’s often the “convenience factor” that causes parents to leave their children unattended.

“Its a little inconvenient to have to carry a car seat around or  children around.” He said. “They think ‘I’m gonna go in there for a few minutes. They’ll be ok.’ That is usually not the case though.”

Mendoza, along with EverythingLubbock.com reporter Jason Puckett got into a car outside the LPD headquarters to learn first hand what it feels like. 

The car’s interior temperature started out at 104 degrees and quickly climbed up to 118 degrees. 

At almost 15 minutes into the test, Mendoza said he was having a hard time breathing.

“It’s like the  air is very thick.” He said. “I feel like my heart rate has gone up and I’m feeling a little bit like I’m having a hard time speaking.”

EMS Senior Field Training Officer Donnie Henry was on standby through the test. He said Mendoza’s symptoms were due to extreme overheating.

“With his heart rate increasing with as much volume as his body lost,” he said, “that’s his body trying to compensate and push fluid that’s not there through the rest of his body.”

Mendoza was OK after the 20 minutes in the car, but said it had given him a better perspective on how helpless a child stuck inside a vehicle might feel. 

“I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through.” He said. “I have the option of opening this door at any time and getting out. I have the option of loosening my shirt, taking my tie off or my shoes. Those kids don’t.”

Mendoza said that anyone who sees a child or pet left unattended in a vehicle should call 911 immediately. He also said that in some cases, a more intense approach may be necessary.

“We’re definitely not going to tell you that you should break into a car,” he said, “but we’re also not going to tell you not to.”

Breaking someone’s window is against the law, Mendoza confirmed, but he also said it is unlikely someone would be prosecuted if they did it to save a life. 

“As long as you’re trying to save a life,” he said, “you’re going to be OK. As long as you’re saving a pet,  you’re going to be alright. I don’t see any court in Texas prosecuting someone who was trying to save a life.”

For more on this story, watch the associated video.