Toddler left fighting for life after swallowing magnets
“Rebecca’s accident devastated the whole family. She had months of ongoing health issues. I still find it incredibly painful to think about. The memory will never fade.”
Sam, Rebecca’s mum
Two-year-old Rebecca McCarthy was left fighting for her life after she swallowed 14 brightly coloured tiny magnetic balls in 2021.
The toddler endured over 2 hours of surgery, where doctors had to temporarily remove her intestines to reach the balls that had attracted together and buried deep into her tissue.
Rebecca had swallowed the magnets, thinking they were sweeties, without anyone suspecting. According to Mum, Sam McCarthy, the first sign Rebecca was unwell was when she vomited one lunchtime.
At first, doctors told Mum Sam and Dad Steve they thought Rebecca had a gastric bug. Rebecca’s symptoms came and went. So it wasn’t until two agonising nights later, and a second visit to A&E, that doctors made the shocking discovery on the x-ray of 14 magnetic balls inside Rebecca’s stomach.
“She was taken to the X-ray room and scans were taken. That’s when my life changed forever in an instant.” said Sam.
Rebecca was rushed into surgery. Mum Sam held Rebecca down while doctors administered the anesthetic before operating.
“As the anaesthetic kicked in, I was escorted from the operating room and stepped out into what felt like total darkness. Rebecca was in the hands of the surgeons now.
“Those two hours felt like a lifetime. So much waiting, not really knowing what was happening.”
Finally, surgeons confirmed they had successfully retrieved the 14 magnetic balls and Rebecca had pulled through the surgery. But Rebecca wasn’t out of danger yet. Surgeons warned Sam they needed to be on alert for any serious symptoms after the operation.
Beware buying dangerous toys online
The magnetic balls had come from three sets bought for her nine-year-old brother for Christmas. In all, there were over 600 tiny balls in their home.
After the surgery, Dad Steve spent weeks going over the house for the tiny balls. Even with a giant magnet to try to attract them Sam and Steve knew some could escape detection, attaching to screws on the bottom of chairs or down the sides of furniture.
Mum, Sam said: “When we finally got home I was so worried about Rebecca I slept next to her for weeks. Our home felt like a warzone knowing these horrible little magnets could be anywhere.
“I would hate for any other child to go through what Becca suffered because of buying dangerous toys via online marketplaces.
“Rebecca’s accident devastated the whole family. She had months of ongoing health issues. I still find it incredibly painful to think about. The memory will never fade.”
Five tips on magnets safety
Strong magnets can rip holes through your child’s gut if swallowed. Here’s how to keep them safe:
1. Only buy magnets from reputable retailers or brand names you know.
2. Beware, if buying magnets from overseas sellers on online marketplaces – there’s no way of knowing if they’re safe.
3. Avoid small, loose magnets if you have small children.
4. Teach older children to never put magnets in their mouths.
5. If you think your child may have swallowed magnets, go straight to A&E or call an ambulance.
Related pages
Magnets safety guide
Super strong magnets can rip through a child’s gut if they swallow them, causing life-threatening injuries. Learn more.
Doctors warn of magnetic toy dangers
Parents are being warned against buying toys containing magnets after new data revealed that hundreds of children have been hospitalised from swallowing them.
