Button Battery Scare Causes 60 Children In Early Learning Service To Have Precauitionary X-rays

Following a button battery incident at a Sunshine Coast daycare center, over 60 kids had X-rays taken.  Remains of a toy with button batteries near it were discovered at the daycare's playground, prompting paramedics to get a triple-0 call.

James Mayfield, senior operations supervisor for the Queensland Ambulance Service, reported that 64 children were transported in a private car for preventative X-rays. He explained that 60 kids were evaluated at Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service facilities and had X-rays taken there. "Two were able to get an X-ray done at a private facility and through a general practitioner.

According to Mr. Mayfield, four button batteries were discovered close to the toy, but paramedics and daycare workers were not sure if any more were missing.

"To identify the product which was left there, we communicated with our medical director via FaceTime," he stated.

"Identifying it was a really complicated process, and there was still a chance that we might not have found every button battery." It was decided that all of the children who might have been in danger eded to have an X-ray and assessment done. According to Mr. Mayfield, it seemed like one of the kids might have taken the old toy inside the building.

According to a Sunshine Coast Health representative, the organization has offered X-rays to kids who might have ingested button batteries. The representative stated, "At this time, there are no proven cases of ingestion." "If a parent believes their child has swallowed or placed a button battery [into their body], they should call the Poisons Information Helpline at 13 11 26 right away."

It is a really concerning issue, according to the mother of a four-year-old Queensland child who died after ingesting a lithium battery. According to Andrea Shoesmith, the tragedy serves as an important reminder to families to dispose of any toys or gadgets that require button batteries.

On June 30, 2013, Sunshine Coast native Summer Steer, the daughter of Ms. Shoesmith, became the first kid in Australia to pass away after ingesting a button-style battery. According to Ms. Shoesmith, stricter Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulations that went into effect in 2022 mandated that toy companies have safe compartments that are difficult for kids to reach.

Button battery suppliers are required to use similarly "child resistant" packaging, and safety warnings must be included on all button-battery products. Ms. Shoesmith stated that "they have to be screwed down because there has to be a two-prong technique to get in there." "Go through your house right now, tonight, and make sure that the toys or appliances you have have a two-pronged test to make sure they are not the old ones that can just slip out.

When a child at another daycare facility on the Sunshine Coast swallowed a button battery three years ago, an investigation was started. On October 11, 2021, the event took place at an unidentified early learning center run by the C&K Kindergarten Association. Despite needing emergency surgery, the child lived.

When swallowed, the tiny, glossy cells burn within, which can result in permanent harm or even death. Since 2013, three Australian youngsters have lost their lives as a result of ingesting button batteries.

Reference:
More Than 60 Children X-rayed After Button Batteries Found At Queensland Childcare Centre, ABC News Australia