St John Ambulance Tiny Tots First Aid Kit - electronic thermometer

Consumers and health professionals are advised that St John Ambulance Australia, in consultation with the TGA, is recalling all electronic thermometers supplied in the Tiny Tots First Aid Kits.

While these thermometers are not intended for use by children, the design may encourage children to play with them. If so, it has been identified that a part of the device shaped like a yellow duck can be removed by a young child, providing them access to the button battery.

If a child ingested a button battery, they could suffer internal chemical burn injuries that, without appropriate medical treatment, could lead to permanent injury or even death. The battery could also pose a choking hazard or potentially perforate the oesophagus.

Information for consumers

If you use or have a St John Ambulance Tiny Tots First Aid Kit, remove the electronic thermometer and discard it. You can contact St John Ambulance for a free replacement electronic thermometer by phoning 1300 956 625 or by emailing team1@stjohn.org.au.

If you suspect your child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, immediately call the 24-hour Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice.

Information for health professionals

Please be aware of this issue and advise parents of child patients accordingly if they seek advice.

Reporting problems

Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to report problems with medical devices. Your report will contribute to the TGA's monitoring of these products. For more information see the TGA Incident Reporting and Investigation Scheme (IRIS).

The TGA cannot give advice about an individual's medical condition. You are strongly encouraged to talk with a health professional if you are concerned about a possible adverse event associated with a medical device.