We went to Dunkin Donuts this past Sunday to meet some friends and enjoy some sugar. BUT- before we could get our stuff and head outside to eat, something happened that made my heart stop for a second. Emery was standing under Ian and he went to pick up his freshly poured 16 oz hot coffee. You can see where this is going.... Well the lid came off and the coffee dropped directly on Emery's head and face. She started SCREAMING- not an "I'm mad" scream, but an "I'm really hurt" scream. That stuff will stop your heart.
I was standing right there and decided to try and pour some of my ice water from my water bottle on her head. Well, it wasn't coming out fast enough so I just took off the lid and dumped all 27 oz of ice water directly on her. POOR GIRL. Now her scream switched to "I'm really mad- what are you doing?" Which made me feel lots better.
Then I noticed the coffee had hit her face (I thought it was just the top of her head) Our friend came over and offered her ice out of her water cup, but I just took the whole cup and covered Emery again with more water- this time on her face. Needless to say she might need therapy later in life for her near-drowning, almost a burn victim experience at Dunkin Donuts. At least I'm hoping it gives her a strong dislike for donuts- don't we all wish we had that!
Ian scooped her up and took her outside to calm her down, while I gave the manager my name and number for the incident report. I apologized profusely for the HUGE mess we made, but they were only concerned for Emery which I really appreciated.
We did get to enjoy our sugar rush once we got outside and took off Emery's clothes. I don't carry a diaper bag so I don't carry a change of clothes. So, she ran around Dunkin for the next hour in just a diaper- please don't report me. (hot coffee and no clothes all in one day.) She was fully recovered within 5 minutes of the incident. She did have several bright pink spots on her scalp, face and back for a few hours. But- all of those have faded.
In doing some research I've learned that most places serve hot coffee at 140-150 degrees F. Which can result in third degree burns requiring skin grafts if left in contact with the skin for as little as 20 seconds. I was feeling a little foolish for covering my child in water (twice) but at the end of the day I'm glad I had a full water bottle and that I dumped it all over her, Dunkin Donuts, Ian and myself.
Amelia did shed some tears over this whole thing as she saw it all unfold first hand. It sacred her- A LOT. But she was super glad Emery was OK and kept telling me that I did the right thing and "she couldn't have done it any better." She's too cute.
Dunkin did call later that day to make sure Emery was OK and to get info from me for the corporate report they have to right in case we decide to sue them. Which we won't- accidents happen and NO ONE was to blame. I'm just thankful that Emery still has beautiful, flawless, creamy baby skin.
3 comments:
Oh man!!! That's so crazy! It's amazing how things could change in an instant and with such a random thing like that. I'm SO glad she's okay, and SO glad you were thinking on your feet by putting the cold water all over her. I'm not sure I would've thought to do that! I'll bet that was very scary for Amelia. Oh your sweet girls! And how cute that she keeps saying she couldn't have done it any better. Precious. Have a great week!
What a nightmare! I am so happy to hear that she is back to normal and not scared in any way. Hopefully this will be something she never remembers and hopefully it won't haunt Amelia. You did such a great job of jumping into action. Your story is a great reminder and lesson for us all.
That's interesting about the 20 second rule...I'll keep that in mind.
Kaylin stuck her fingers inside the toaster a couple months back and my initial reaction was to hand her something frozen to hold. She cried in pain for almost 2 hours before it occurred to me to give her Tylenol. I looked up online and found out that for those kinds of burns, room temperature tap water is the best thing...ice or too cold water seals in the pain. !?!?!?
So FYI for the next time someone burns themselves when it's NOT hot coffee poured on their head. I hope I can remember these tips when it counts!
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