The Toowoomba-based LifeFlight Surat Gas Aeromedical Service (SGAS) helicopter crew has airlifted a baby girl to hospital, after she was accidentally scalded with hot water.
It’s believed she suffered minor burns to her hand and leg, after she grabbed unexpectedly at a bowl of hot water and eucalyptus, being used to help treat a slight respiratory illness.
She was immediately taken to a Western Downs hospital before the rescue chopper transferred her to the Queensland Children’s Hospital for further treatment, as a precaution.
She was airlifted in a stable condition, with her mother as escort.
While the thermal burns were assessed as minor, one of the biggest challenges for Critical Care Doctor Neil Hunter was to keep the baby happy and occupied in the unfamiliar conditions of a helicopter.
With the infant wearing ear protection and due a feed, he had his work cut out, resorting to showing her The Wiggles videos on his mobile phone.
The crew report the baby fell peacefully asleep, five minutes before they landed on the QCH helipad.
Tasked by Queensland Health, the LifeFlight SGAS helicopter and crew performed this mission as part of the SGAS partners’ commitment to assisting in providing the south west region and beyond, with community aeromedical coverage.
