Five-Year-Old Boy Critically Injured in Rare Jacuzzi Suction Accident

A five-year-old boy was critically injured in a rare jacuzzi suction accident during a family vacation at a local holiday rental, requiring emergency abdominal surgery and the removal of most of his small intestine.

The incident occurred when the child sat in the jacuzzi alongside his older brother while the water pump was active. Due to a missing protective safety grate, the powerful suction trapped the boy against the drain opening. Although his brother managed to pull him from the water initially showing no outward signs of pain, family members soon discovered severe internal injuries after noticing unusual swelling.

The child was rushed to the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, where pediatric surgeons performed emergency surgery. Dr. Nadav Sleifer, head of the pediatric surgery department, explained that the extreme vacuum pressure caused a rupture in the lower large intestine, pulling the small intestine out through the rectum. Surgeons reported that the severe disruption of blood supply led to ischemia, forcing them to resect a significant portion of the small intestine.

Following the complex procedure, the boy was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit for recovery. Medical staff noted that due to the extensive bowel resection, the child will require prolonged nutritional support, including intravenous feeding. Physicians emphasized that recovery will take weeks or months, and the long-term impact on his digestive function remains uncertain.

To prevent similar tragedies, medical experts urge parents and vacationers to strictly follow safety guidelines before using a jacuzzi:

• Inspect all suction drain covers to ensure they are securely in place and undamaged.

• Never leave children unattended in a jacuzzi, even if they are competent swimmers.

• Keep away from drain openings and avoid sitting near suction jets under any circumstances.

• Verify maintenance protocols with property owners to ensure safety grates are properly reinstalled after cleaning.

• Immediately shut down the pump using emergency switches if entrapment occurs, and seek urgent medical assistance without attempting to push protruding internal organs back inside.