14/08/2026
Four‑year‑old Sage was helping his grandmother make coffee for his mum on Mother’s Day when the coffee maker suddenly broke, leaving him with severe burns to his face and body.
Sage has since undergone seven operations, including skin grafts to 10% of his body, and continues his treatment and rehabilitation at our hospital months later.
“Children’s skin is very thin,” says Dr Torey Lawrence, Head of the Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. “Thin skin is very delicate and can burn a lot quicker and a lot deeper, and at lower temperatures.”
Already this year, almost 500 children have been treated for burns at our hospital — a reminder for parents and carers to take extra care around hot liquids and appliances. Close adult supervision remains the most effective way to prevent burns in children.
If a child suffers a burn, immediate first aid makes a huge difference:
💧 Cool the burn by running cool water over the area for 20 minutes.
👕 Gently take off clothing or jewellery near the burn if possible.
🚫 Avoid home remedies - no ice, creams, gels, toothpaste or butter.
🆘 Seek help: In an emergency call 000. For non‑urgent advice, call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222.
For more information on burns prevention and first aid, visit the SCHN Kids Health Promotion website or Kidsafe NSW.
