A 7-year-old boy experienced severe burns to his hands after pulling out his charging phone, leading him to be hospitalized in the emergency room. Doctors at Vietnam – Sweden Uong Bi Hospital treated the child for first and second degree burns, swelling, blisters, and pain. The wound was treated by cutting out the damaged skin and bandaging it, but there is still a risk of finger necrosis that requires further monitoring.
Phone charging devices typically have a voltage converter with low voltage output, which rarely causes shock. However, a faulty plug can still be dangerous if exposed. To prevent accidents, families are advised to unplug the charger from the electrical outlet when not in use and ensure that the outlet has a protective cover. Children should not play with the phone while it is charging and the charging phone should be placed out of their reach with the cord securely connected to the power source.
In case of an electrical burn, it is important to separate the victim from the power source immediately. If circulation stops, adults should perform external chest compressions and call for medical assistance. Initial first aid should be administered before moving the child to a medical facility. It is crucial not to apply ice or ointment on burns as they can damage tissue further; simply clean them and cover them with gauze.
The incident serves as a reminder of how important safety measures are when using electronic devices at home or anywhere else. It is essential to understand how these devices work and what precautions we need to take when handling them safely.
