A toddler from the Gold Coast is currently in an induced coma following a serious incident involving cake-decorating dust. The child, Dustin ‘Dusty’ Wildman, was with his mother, Katie Robinson, a baker crafting a Bluey cake for a friend when he came across gold dust powder intended for cake decoration. Inhaling this substance led to it forming a toxic paste in his lungs, blocking airflow.
At just 14 months old, Dusty went unresponsive, prompting his mother to call for urgent medical help. During this ordeal, she discovered that the dust he inhaled contained copper, which is known not to dissolve in blood and can accumulate in the lungs. As a result, medical professionals are now closely monitoring his kidneys and liver function.
Dusty has undergone surgery to clear his lungs but remains on life support as he cannot breathe independently. The situation is dire, with the medical team at Queensland Children’s Hospital expressing their shock at the extent of the damage caused by the inhalation. A family friend, Rochelle Evrard, has created a GoFundMe campaign to support the Wildman family with their medical and relocation expenses, as they have moved from the Gold Coast to Brisbane for Dusty’s treatment.
Robinson has expressed her deep concern for her son, highlighting the critical nature of his condition and the urgent need for ongoing medical care. Dusty’s family is now in a position of uncertainty as they hope for his recovery.