Multiple daycare kids undergo scans after button battery scare

A broken toy missing button batteries has been located at a Sunshine Coast child care centre, sparking concern among parents and staff.

Several children underwent scans at Sunshine Coast Health facilities as a precaution.

A broken toy missing button batteries has been located at a Sunshine Coast childcare centre, sparking concern among parents and staff.

Sunshine Coast Health received an alert from the childcare facility about 10.30am on Wednesday, after staff found a broken toy with button batteries missing.

The number missing was unknown.

At the time of the incident, there were 65 children in the facility.

Multiple parents came to collect their children from the facility amid fears children had potentially swallowed a battery.

Several children were taken to hospitals across the Sunshine Coast to be scanned as a precaution.

A Sunshine Coast Health spokesperson said there were currently no confirmed cases of ingestion.

“As a precautionary measure, Sunshine Coast Health is providing X-rays for children who may have swallowed button batteries,” the spokesperson said.

“We encourage any parent who at any time suspects their child has swallowed or inserted a button battery to contact the Poisons Information Helpline immediately on 13 11 26.

“If this isn’t possible, go straight to the hospital emergency department. Do not let the child eat or drink, and do not induce vomiting.”

Button batteries, which are small disc-shaped batteries containing lithium, zinc silver, or manganese, can cause serious harm to young children.

Due to their size, button batteries pose a serious choking hazard as they are easy for children to put in their mouths and accidentally swallow, or to push into their ears or nose.

If a battery is swallowed or inserted, it can cause severe burns or death.