Six-year-old suffers severe injuries in bathtub accident
The boy was provided with immediate care and stabilised before he was transported to a local hospital.
A six-year-old Olievenhoutbosch boy is in a stable condition after sustaining severe burn injuries during an accident on the evening of January 28.
Community Emergency Response Team South Africa (Cert SA) spokesperson Ruan Heyns said the incident occurred around 17:30 when the child fell into a bathtub filled with hot water at his home.
Heyns confirmed that the Centurion Cert SA team was dispatched to the scene immediately after the distress call was received.
“When we arrived, the boy had sustained significant burn injuries.
“Our team worked quickly to provide immediate care and stabilise him before he was transported to a local hospital,” he said.
He said the boy was under advanced paramedic care when transferred by Gauteng Emergency Medical Services.
While the exact circumstances of the incident are still unclear, Heyns noted that the swift response of community members and provincial emergency services played a crucial role in ensuring the child received prompt medical attention.
“We are deeply grateful to the Good Samaritans from the community and provincial EMS who stepped in to help on the scene,” he said.
Emergency responders extended their thoughts and best wishes to his family.
“Our hearts go out to the boy and his loved ones. We sincerely hope for his full and speedy recovery,” Heyns said.
To help prevent similar accidents, CERT SA shared the following safety tips for parents and caregivers:
Check water temperature
– Always test bathwater before allowing a child to enter. Use your elbow or a bath thermometer; the ideal temperature is 37–38°C (98–100°F).
– Instal anti-scald devices on taps to regulate water temperature.
Fill the tub safely
– Run cold water first, then add hot water to avoid creating dangerously hot spots.
– Turn off hot water first when adjusting temperature to prevent scalding.
Supervise at all times
– Never leave young children unattended in or near a bath.
– Keep everything within reach (towels, soap) to avoid stepping away.
Secure the bathroom
– Keep the bathroom door closed when not in use.
– Use a childproof lock on the hot water tap if possible.
Educate your child
– Teach children that hot water can cause burns and to always wait for an adult before touching taps.
– Encourage them to sit down in the tub rather than standing or moving around unsupervised.
Set your water heater to a safe temperature
– Lower your geyser/water heater temperature to no more than 49°C (120°F) to reduce the risk of severe burns.
Emergency action for burns
– Remove the child from the hot water immediately.
– Cool the burn with running, cool (not icy) water for at least 10-20 minutes.
– Do not use ice, butter, or ointments.
– Seek medical help immediately for severe burns.
Heyns reiterated that these precautions can help prevent life-altering injuries.
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