Dozens of children X-rayed after button batteries lost at childcare centre

Paramedics on the Sunshine Coast sent 64 small children off for X-rays after a childcare centre found a broken toy in the playground area with its button batteries missing.

Staff at the childcare centre, which was not identified, called authorities after making the find on Wednesday morning.

They did not know how many batteries were missing, or whether any had been swallowed, as they believed the broken product was brought in by a child.

The head of Australia’s consumer watchdog Rod Sims has pointed out the dangers posed by button batteries.Credit: Wolter Peeters

The children taken for X-rays were aged between two and five years, and included every child who had been in the playground area over an extended period.

Four batteries were found through a metal detector sweep organised by the centre.

Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Queensland Ambulance Service senior operations supervisor James Mayfield applauded the prompt action taken by the childcare centre.

“We liaised with our medical director [and] had discussions with him through FaceTime to identify the product which was left there,” he said.

“A decision was made that all children involved who could have been exposed to the hazard needed to have an assessment and an X-ray performed.”

He said 60 children were examined in Sunshine Coast hospital and health service facilities, and two at private GP clinics, as QAS liaised with local medical centres to reduce strain on services.

Parents of the remaining children helped organise check-ups.

The daycare centre did not shut down during the examinations, but remained in contact with parents throughout the process.

“I commend the parents in all this,” Mayfield said. “It would have been a daunting phone call for the parents to receive.”

He said there was no further risk to children at the facility.

In case of a child swallowing button batteries, parents were advised to immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, or seek immediate medical attention at an emergency department or via triple zero.

“With button batteries, prevention is key,” Mayfield said.

“The symptoms, if they do develop, are abdominal pain, chest pain and some gastrointestinal bleeding.

“Literature says between one and five there’s a risk of upper airway and choking occurring as a consequence of [swallowing a button battery] as well.”