A family camping trip turned into a nightmare for the Greenhalghs as their toddler, Apollo, suffered severe burns on his hands and feet. The incident occurred at Lake Leslie Tourist Park in Queensland when Apollo ran into an extinguished fire pit, unaware of the hidden hot embers beneath the sand.

Rachel Greenhalgh, the distressed mother, vividly recalls the harrowing moment when Apollo’s innocent curiosity led to excruciating pain. Despite being just meters away, she couldn’t reach him in time as he stumbled into the pit, his hands and feet coming into contact with scorching coal.

The family had been enjoying a celebratory overnight stay at the holiday park, but the joyous occasion quickly turned into a frantic race against time to provide immediate first aid to Apollo’s burns. With Apollo’s hands, fingers, toes, and soles of his feet deeply affected, the family rushed him to Warwick Hospital before being transferred to the Burns Unit at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Doctors initially reassured the family that Apollo’s injuries were not as severe as feared, but subsequent surgeries revealed a more critical situation. The healing process has been slower than anticipated, with concerns arising about Apollo’s left hand and foot, which sustained between second and third-degree burns.

As Apollo undergoes treatment and recovery, Rachel faces the heart-wrenching decision of leaving him in the hospital to return home for work, grappling with the emotional turmoil of being separated from her injured child. Financial strains compound the family’s ordeal, prompting a crowdfunding initiative to support Apollo’s extended medical care.

The incident serves as a stark reminder to all parents about the potential hazards of camping, especially around fire pits. Despite the family’s prompt application of first aid, the accident underscores the need for vigilance and caution, particularly when children are involved in outdoor activities.

As Apollo bravely battles through his recovery, the Greenhalghs highlight the importance of fire safety awareness and the critical role of swift first aid in mitigating the impact of such traumatic incidents. Their story stands as a cautionary tale for families embarking on camping adventures, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness to prevent similar accidents.
Through their challenging journey, the Greenhalghs exemplify resilience and determination in the face of adversity, drawing strength from the outpouring of support from their community. As Apollo continues his healing process, his family remains steadfast in their commitment to his well-being, united in their unwavering love and care for their beloved son.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.