Sharjah: Doctors from Zulekha Hospital saved the life of an 18-month-old girl who suffered from second-degree burns caused by hot tea.
The baby was rushed to the hospital in Sharjah with 17 per cent burns to the face, neck and chest, doctors said.
The girl had tipped a jug of hot tea on herself, which triggered a seizure and respiratory depression. She had to be intubated to save her life.
Dr Shoukat Ali Memon, Specialist Paediatrician at Zulekha Hospital in Sharjah, was able to attend to the baby immediately using the hospital’s specialist equipment that ultimately saved her life, the hospital said.
“We are delighted at the baby’s incredible progress after being admitted in a life-threatening state following such a traumatic experience,” said Dr Memon. We were able to discharge her eight days after the incident occurred with a detailed treatment plan. We are of course continuing to treat the baby on an ongoing basis until her burn wounds are fully healed.”
The baby’s parents will continue to bring the girl into the hospital for regular check-ups while she recovers.
The baby’s father expressed his gratitude to the team of doctors for their quick response.
“We are confident our child will be fine soon,” said Pradeep Kumar. “Doctors have reassured us on our little girl’s recovery after these severe burns she has suffered. It is very difficult for us to see our child suffer with this accident; however, we are happy that we came to Zulekha Hospital at the right time.”
The jug of hot tea was placed on a low table at the baby’s home. The baby’s mother went to get cups from the kitchen and upon her return found that the baby had accidentally knocked the jug over, spilling the scalding liquid on herself.
Following the incident, doctors called on parents with young children across the UAE to be diligent around the house.
“Accidents such as these serve as a reminder as to just how easy incidents can occur around the home,” said Dr Ahmad Mohammad Samy Ghallab, Specialist Emergency Medicine.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents to be extra cautious with little ones around the house, and to keep potentially dangerous items far out of a child’s reach — it only takes a split second for such awful accidents to occur.”
