‘Awake and alert’: Heartwarming update on Gold Coast toddler Dusty Wildman after horror baking tragedy
A Gold Coast toddler who suffered a life-threatening reaction after inhaling metallic cake decorating powder continues to recover in hospital and his family are now sharing a reassuring update as his condition gradually improves.
Fourteen-month-old Dustin “Dusty” Wildman remains in Queensland Children’s Hospital almost two weeks after the incident that left him in a coma and required emergency surgery to clear material from his lungs.
His mother, Kate Robinson, said the latest developments brought relief after days of uncertainty, with the toddler now breathing unaided and showing encouraging signs of recovery.
“Our beautiful boy is awake and alert, playing and smiling,” Mrs. Robinson said.
“This morning all respiratory support was removed and he is able to breathe completely on his own.
“He just put in the feeding tube while we were trying to take food by mouth.”
Although Dusty is no longer dependent on respiratory support, doctors are still monitoring the inflammation in his lungs caused by the material, which turns into a paste-like substance after inhalation.
Ms. Robinson said that although her voice continued to be affected, it was gaining more strength.
“He’s trying to talk, but his voice is still very high-pitched,” he said.
“We hope it will prove the doctors wrong and that there is no permanent damage.”
The update follows an earlier critical period in which the toddler was admitted to intensive care after the substance caused severe respiratory distress and required surgical intervention.
Medical tests later confirmed that the powder contained copper and zinc compounds, raising questions about product labeling and placement next to edible decoration materials.
The supplier subsequently withdrew the product from sale and instructed retailers to destroy remaining stocks.
