On Feb 25, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were alerted to a fire at a flat in Tampines.
Fire in Singapore flat
According to Channel NewsAsia, the fire happened at a 10th floor unit of Blk 492, Tampines Street 45. A 7-year-old boy had to be rushed to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, due to smoke inhalation.
The SCDF dispatched two fire engines, one red rhino, two fire bikes, an ambulance and two support vehicles to the location.
Thankfully, by the time the firefighters arrived, the little boy and the others in the flat were already evacuated. Though the flat above was also affected by the fire, no injures were reported.
Officials are investigating the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, an eye-witness has posted this video of the fire on Stomp, which shows thick black smoke coming out of the affected unit, and a fire raging within.
Effects of smoke inhalation in children
It may come as a shock that it is smoke inhalation, and not burns, that is the number 1 cause of death related to fires. Smoke inhalation occurs when the victim breathes in the products of combustion during a fire. Carbon monoxide poisoning has been found to be the leading cause of death in smoke inhalation.
Symptoms of smoke inhalation
When a child inhales smoke, harmful toxins may get into the child’s body. Here are some possible symptoms:
- Minor problems include irritated eyes, coughing, and general weakness—which can turn into more serious symptoms later on, and hence, have to be observed.
- Continued wheezing and coughing
- Inability to breathe
- Choking
- Ash, black char, or smoke around the mouth and nose
- Mental confusion
- Weakness and lethargy that could lead to unconsciousness
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Caring for victims of smoke inhalation
- Call for help. Singapore emergency ambulance no is 995.
- It is important to drag the child away from the smoke and get him out into the fresh air.
- Have the child sit down until he begins to feel better. Cover him with a blanket.
- After coughing has subsided, offer a glass of water to calm a burning throat.
- Place a cool washcloth over his eyes and forehead.
- Check his breathing. Loosen clothes around the neck and torso to help breathing.
- If he is unconscious, turn his head to the side to prevent possible vomit from choking him.
- See a doctor as soon as possible for further assessment.
Also READ: Mum forced to drop baby and toddler from window to escape burning apartment
(Source: Channel NewsAsia, Stomp, familyeducation)
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