‘It takes one second’ – father’s plea after six-year-old burned in kitchen

A Tuakau father is urging parents to be vigilant in the kitchen after his six-year-old daughter suffered severe burns while trying to help make dinner during the school holidays.

On September 30, Riley Staples was staying with her mother in Tuakau when she was badly burned after taking a bowl of boiling pasta out of the microwave before her mother could turn away from the stove.

“The boiling hot water and pasta spilled all down Riley’s front,” her father, Mark Staples told the Franklin Times.

“Because she was wearing overalls, the water and pasta gathered around her lower abdomen and groin area. Her skin instantly bubbled up.”

Riley was rushed to Middlemore Hospital, where doctors and paramedics began cleaning the burns and preparing her for a series of major treatments.

In the weeks that followed, Riley was put under anaesthetic up to three times a week for surgical scrub-downs and skin grafts.

“As a father watching my daughter go through that, I was walking back to her hospital room while she was in surgery just bawling my eyes out,” Staples said.

He described the emotional toll of living at the hospital, the sleepless nights, and the heartbreak of watching his daughter endure severe pain when her medication began to wear off.

“There were so many uncertainties, it was just I had to take it as it comes. My mum and sister helped where they could, but even they were dealing with their own battles. My sister was going through chemo and my mum found out her own father had passed away the day of Riley’s surgery.”

Doctors performed a major skin graft using donor skin and skin taken from Riley’s back and thigh. She was kept in intensive care for two days after surgery.

“I honestly struggled to even see my baby in that position,” he said.

“When she woke up, she was full of painkillers. It was hard to see, but I was just grateful she wasn’t in pain.”

Despite everything, he said Riley remained brave throughout her ordeal.

“She barely cried the entire time. She just wanted her dad. Even before going into surgery she’d wipe my tears and pat me on the back telling me she would be alright. She’s the strongest person I know.”

Riley was discharged from hospital after nearly five weeks. She now faces ongoing physiotherapy and lifelong scar management, including the use of a pressure suit.

Her father said the experience has changed their lives forever and he hopes other parents can learn from it.

“My message to parents is, know where your kids are and what they’re doing at all times, especially if there’s cooking going on in the kitchen,” he said.

“Having them help you in the kitchen is a great thing but use that time to educate them on safety and the seriousness of staying away from anything hot.

“Stop letting your young ones make their own noodles or grab your hot coffee off the bench, because all it takes is one second and your child’s life could be changed forever.”

He said Riley’s accident was the result of “her over-helpfulness” – always wanting to assist in the kitchen.

“My Riley was just trying to help,” he said. “So please, parents, be aware of your children when cooking or doing anything that involves boiling water or anything that can burn them.”

The family have received support from charities including Bellyful and the Wings of Grace Foundation, which provided meals, clothing, and a small donation.

A Givealittle page has also been set up to help cover costs and support his mother, sister and daughter as they each face health and personal challenges.

“The response to the Givealittle page has been extremely heart-warming and so appreciated,” he said.

“I never expected such a response, and I’m grateful that with these donations it will help the three most important females in my life, my mum, my sister, and my beautiful daughter Riley.”

He said being a solo father has deepened his bond with Riley through the most difficult period of their lives.

“We’ve grown closer than ever before,” Staples said.

“It’s been heartbreaking but inspiring at the same time. I couldn’t be prouder of her.”