If you have children aged five and up, it’s likely that fidget spinners have made their way into your home. These trendy toys have captivated kids everywhere, but they can also pose serious dangers, as one Texas mom recently discovered when her daughter had to undergo surgery after swallowing a piece of a fidget spinner.
In an alarming account shared by mom Lisa Carter, she recounted the chaotic Saturday that resulted in her daughter, Emily, being rushed to the hospital. After a swim meet, the ten-year-old began making strange noises from the backseat. When Lisa noticed her daughter’s face turning red, she immediately pulled over.
“Emily was drooling and pointing to her throat,” Lisa recalled. “She told me she swallowed something, and I tried the Heimlich maneuver, but there wasn’t any resistance. She had been cleaning her fidget spinner and accidentally swallowed a part of it.”
With panic settling in, Lisa took Emily to an urgent care facility. However, the doctors there couldn’t determine if the object was stuck in her airway or esophagus. An ambulance was quickly called to transport them to Texas Children’s Hospital.
Once there, x-rays confirmed that a small metal disk from the fidget spinner was lodged in Emily’s esophagus. The attending surgeon, who had just learned about fidget spinners that same day while out with his son, took a keen interest in Emily’s case. He was also a proponent of safe toys for children.
Emily underwent endoscopic surgery to have the piece removed. “We were fortunate to have a positive outcome, but it was terrifying for a while,” Lisa shared. “Not only was there the initial worry about the swallowing, but we also had concerns about the object’s material and the risks associated with anesthesia.”
After this harrowing experience, Lisa felt compelled to warn other parents. “Although fidget spinners are popular among kids of all ages, not all come with appropriate age warnings. The small parts can easily pop out, creating a choking hazard for younger children. If you have kids under eight, it’s crucial to take this into consideration.”
With her own kids, aged six and eight, Lisa has seen how easily the components of these toys can detach. Fortunately, her daughter, who has a habit of putting things in her mouth, has lost interest in her spinner. However, Lisa plans to have an important conversation with her about the risks of these toys.
Let’s spare the “where were the parents?” remarks. Kids can get into trouble in a split second, and accidents do happen. Despite the criticism Lisa faced for sharing her story, she’s brave for bringing attention to this issue. Her experience could potentially prevent another child from going through the same ordeal—or worse.
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In summary, Lisa Carter’s story serves as a cautionary tale for parents regarding the dangers of fidget spinners and the importance of supervision. While these toys may seem harmless, they can present unforeseen risks that warrant attention.