A QUEENSLAND coroner has handed down 13 recommendations following an inquest into the death of local girl Summer Steer, who became the first child to die in Australia from swallowing a button battery in 2013.
Summer died on 30 June 2013 after swallowing a lithium battery. The little girl was taken to Noosa hospital twice with a stomach ache but was sent home.
When Summer was transferred to Brisbane a battery was found lodged in her oesophagus, causing her death.
Coroner John Hutton made 13 recommendations including for manufacturers of button-sized lithium batteries to make them safe if swallowed, warning signs on button battery products, sealing of button battery compartments, as well as a public awareness campaign on the dangers of lithium batteries.
