Trauma team sent to school after child suffers serious burns at North Canterbury camp

A trauma team has been deployed to a primary school after a child was seriously injured at a school camp near Amberley.

The Hokitika Primary School student suffered serious burns when a small methylated spirits stove malfunctioned on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident happened at Waipara Adventure Centre whose general manager said he couldn’t comment on the incident and directed questions to the Board Chair.

On Wednesday, a parent contacted our newsroom voicing frustration over the school's limited communication.

Principal Traci Liddall addressed parents directly with an email detailing the incident on Wednesday afternoon.

The boy was airlifted from the camp to Christchurch hospital.

She told Chris Lynch Media it was a fine balance updating everyone while maintaining the boy’s privacy.

“We’re doing everything we can to support him and his family.”

In the email sent to parents, Liddall said “I spoke to the child’s dad this morning and he is currently stable and as comfortable as can be expected.

“I know you will join me as we all send our love and support to the child and his family at this time.

“We have a number of supports in place from tomorrow for returning staff, students and parents including a counsellor and members of the Ministry of Education trauma team.

“We will do our best to keep you all informed whilst being mindful of maintaining privacy for (the child) and adhering to our legal obligations.

“At this stage we have no answers regarding what happened or why, nor will we speculate.

“It has been referred to Worksafe who will investigate fully.”

Liddal said “the camp goers are expected back to school this afternoon and we will send a further text when they are 30 minutes away.

“They will be taking frequent breaks on the way back so that drivers do not become fatigued.

“All students will go to the hall on their return and they can be collected from there.”

A St John Ambulance spokesman said they were notified of the incident at 3.58pm yesterday, and responded with an ambulance, a helicopter and two rapid response vehicles.

“Our ambulance officers treated one patient, in a serious condition, who was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.”