A routine kitchen task turned into a life-threatening emergency when a 10-year-old boy in Mandurah, Australia narrowly escaped paralysis in a freak accident involving a grilled cheese sandwich last month.
Landen Sturman was preparing a “cheese toastie” at his home in Mandurah when he slipped and fell backward into an open dishwasher. In a terrifying twist, he landed directly on a knife standing upright in the utensil rack.
The blade lodged into his spine, coming within mere millimeters of causing permanent paralysis, according to doctors at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), where he was rushed for treatment.
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Sturman’s mother, Emma, described the horrifying moment, emphasizing how an everyday household task turned into a near tragedy.
“Stacking the dishwasher is something so mundane that most people don’t think twice about it, but it goes to show how even the smallest actions can have a huge impact,” she said.
Medical professionals at PCH acted swiftly, with neurosurgeons and orthopedic specialists working meticulously to remove the knife and stabilize Sturman’s condition. Despite the severity of the incident, the young boy made a remarkable recovery and has since returned to school.
Emma Sturman is now using her family’s frightening experience to caution other parents about kitchen safety, particularly regarding how knives are placed in dishwashers.
“If we can prevent even one other family from going through what we did, that would mean the world to us,” she said, as outlined by Perth Now.
The medical team at PCH was instrumental in ensuring Sturman’s survival and recovery.
Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Carrick Robinson commended the staff for their exceptional care and noted the boy’s resilience in the face of such a traumatic event.
“It’s wonderful to see Landen doing so well after going through such a traumatic accident thanks to the world-class care he received at PCH,” Robinson said, per the outlet.
During his hospital stay, Sturman participated in the hospital’s Artist in Residence program, which offers creative workshops and interactive experiences for young patients.
The program provides children with a therapeutic outlet, helping to ease anxiety and promote emotional well-being. Sturman discovered a surprising talent for puppetry, an activity that brought him joy amid his recovery.
“Despite Landen having a very tough few days at PCH, it’s also a positive to see him discover a new talent during his stay,” Robinson added. “Creative workshops, like those provided through the Artist in Residence program, not only provide kids like Landen with a much-needed distraction, they also help to boost mental health, ease anxiety, and build social connections.”
For the Sturman family, what began as a traumatic event turned into an experience marked by gratitude and new opportunities.
Emma Sturman praised the hospital staff for their support and care throughout her son’s recovery. “The overall experience we had throughout Landen’s hospital stay turned a traumatic experience into something positive,” she said.
As Landen continues to heal and adjust back to normal life, his story serves as a sobering reminder of how everyday actions can have unforeseen consequences.
