June is National Burns Prevention and Awareness month. Recently, one of our students, Callum McUtchen, suffered a terrible acident at home - here is a letter from his family.

Callum and his family would like to pass on their sincere appreciation to the OLSSC School and Community for their messages and support over the past 3 weeks.

Callum suffered second degree superficial burns to 16% of his body (face, neck, chest, abdomen, shoulders and right wrist) when the Fishing Shirt he was wearing caught fire. Thanks to the quick thinking of his older brother Rory, the shirt was ripped off before any further injury was sustained. Thankfully because of Rory's actions the shirt wasn't able to stick to Callum's skin.

Thanks to the Staff at the Jandowae Hospital, Queensland Ambulance Service and Royal Flying Doctor Service, Callum and his mother Kath found themselves at the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane (Formally Lady Cilento Children's Hospital).

It is here that Callum received treatment from their Burns Specialists, he underwent 4 rounds of surgery which included wound assessments, physio, dressing changes and synthetic graft implanted on his right shoulder. On the days between surgeries Callum was meeting with Physios, OT's, Psychologists and Teachers.

Teachers?? Yes, there is a school at the hospital, a teacher would come to Callum's hospital room each day to complete some English or Maths activities. If you're feeling up to it you can go to the actual classroom on level 8 and work with the teachers who liaise with your school. 

Now that Callum has been discharged from hospital, he will be travelling back to the QCH for appointments at the Burns Clinic and for continuing treatment as an outpatient.

Callum's family would like to make us all aware of the importance of fire safety and quick treatment. Visit Kids Safe Qld for more information.