A mother is urgently warning families to avoid a common mistake when camping, following a horrific incident where her toddler suffered severe burns from an extinguished fire pit.
The Incident at Lake Leslie Tourist Park
Rachel Greenhalgh recounted the terrifying moment when her curious two-year-old son, Apollo, inadvertently ran into a fire pit that had seemingly been extinguished. The incident occurred on March 23 at Lake Leslie Tourist Park in Australia, where Rachel and her family were celebrating a birthday. Despite the fire being put out 12 hours earlier, hot embers remained concealed under sand, leading to a tragic accident.
“It happened so quickly,” Rachel reflected. “I remember saying ‘no Apollo,’ knowing it was a fire pit, but not realizing it could still be hot. I’ll never forget the screams my child made.” As Rachel was preoccupied loading her car with her eight-month-old son, Leonardo, Apollo wandered off and ended up on top of the fire pit.
Immediate Response and Medical Care
Rachel’s father quickly sprang into action, pulling Apollo away from the fiery remnants. “Dad instantly knew to put him under cool water. My brother already had the shower running, and Apollo was in it immediately,” Rachel explained. This swift response likely mitigated further damage.
Apollo sustained burns on his palms, fingers, toes, and the soles of his feet. “His hands were red, and skin was peeling straight away in the showers,” Rachel said. The family rushed Apollo to Warwick Hospital, where he was quickly transferred to the Burns Unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. Following his initial assessment, Apollo underwent surgery and has since had two additional procedures.
Long-Term Concerns and Family Support
Doctors initially assessed Apollo’s condition as manageable; however, after further evaluation, they expressed concern over the healing process, particularly for his left hand and foot, which suffered second and third-degree burns. “He’s refusing to use his left hand, which could impact the healing process,” Rachel noted. “When the pain medication kicks in, Apollo’s smiling and playing, but they’re worried about stiffness in his left hand.”
In light of the emotional and financial strain on the family, a GoFundMe page has been established by Rachel’s aunt, Jane Anderssen. The funds aim to support the family during this challenging time, as Rachel has just returned to work after maternity leave and lacks available leave to manage her son’s care.
Precautions for Campers
Following this traumatic experience, Rachel emphasizes the importance of taking precautions while camping. “Parents are now being encouraged to have their children wear shoes at campsites,” she stated. “I did not comprehend how hot it could be hours after it was put out.”
The NHS advises that individuals, particularly children under ten years old, should seek medical attention after any burn or scald. Immediate actions include moving away from the heat source, removing clothing or jewelry near the burn area, and cooling the burn with lukewarm running water for 20 to 30 minutes. It is essential to keep the person warm but avoid rubbing the area.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers associated with seemingly safe camping activities. By spreading awareness and following safety guidelines, families can better protect their loved ones during outdoor adventures.
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