On National Burn Awareness Day, 12 October 2022, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is aiming to drive down the number of burns and scalds, especially those occurring in the kitchen.
National Burn Awareness Day is urging parents to keep children safe as well knowing the right first aid if a burn or scald does occur.
Data show that last year more than 47% of burns and scalds to children took place in the kitchen.
The Day therefore supports the Children’s Burns Trust’s campaign, working alongside the British Burn Association to raise awareness of burns and reduce the number of burns and scalds occurring each year, particularly in the kitchen.
Children’s Burns Trust works alongside the British Burn Association to raise awareness and grow the momentum of National Burn Awareness Day each year.
The Trust is again promoting STOPTEABER this month and asking people to give up tea or coffee for the month, OR donate the money you would spend on your daily coffee to support them in reducing this number.
According to the Children’s Burns Trust, over 7,660 children were burned or scalded in 2021, as well as over 8,550 adults in England and Wales alone. This does not include the thousands seen and discharged in A&E.
Additionally last year, about half of all burns and scalds to babies and children happened in the kitchen, making it the most dangerous room in your home for children, while children and the elderly are the most vulnerable.
Children under five are most at risk from hot drink spills, such as tea and coffee and some 30 children a day are burned by hot drinks.
In Herefordshire and Worcestershire, during the last ten years (1 Jan 2012 – 31 Dec 2021), HWFRS attended 278 incidents involving burns or scalds.
The vast majority of these are preventable. This message is especially important as both Halloween and Bonfire Night draw near.
Emma Roberts, HWFRS Head of Prevention, said:
“A burn injury can be for life. Most injuries occur as a result of an accident that could so easily have been prevented, and children and the elderly are the most vulnerable.
“We want to make parents and carers more aware of how many ordinary household items can cause burns and scalds and how serious these injuries can be, for example just from tea and coffee as well from kettles, candles, matches, and lighters – and even from hair straighteners. It is vital to keep items like these out of children’s reach”.
“Don’t forget, a hot drink can still scald a small child up to 15 minutes after being poured and over half of children admitted to hospital have been burnt by hot drinks.
“So, keep a close eye on such hazards today and every day.”
Other advice on National Burn Awareness Day includes these Dos and Don’ts:
DO:
- remember to keep things that can cause fire out of children’s reach – whether they can be lit, such as candles, matches and lighters – or are hot, eg kettles, irons and hair straighteners
- ensure children don’t play near fires or heaters to avoid them getting burnt
- use the back hobs on the stove and ensure saucepan handles don’t stick out to avoid them being knocked off
- fit a childproof guard in front of open fires or heaters – the best ones can be fixed to the wall
- clothing will always burn if in contact with naked flames – but some much faster than others
- if your or your children’s clothes catch fire, remember: ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’
- run cold water first in the bath or sink before adding hot water – test the temperature
- install thermostatic mixing valves in all hot water outlets
DON’T:
- never leave children unattended in the kitchen
- don’t run around, you’ll make the flames worse. Lie down and roll around to make it harder for the fire to spread and smother the flames with a heavy material, like a coat or blanket
- don’t put a baby or child into a bath or sink until the water has been tested
- don’t store chemicals, cleaners such as bleach, and acids anywhere they can be reached for
Remember burn first aid: Cool, Call and Cover!
- Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound)
- Call for help – 999, 111 or local GP for advice
- Cover
with cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth. Make sure the patient is kept warm
Don’t let burn hazards spoil Halloween this year
Halloween, on Monday 31 October, also carries burn risks so the Fire Kills campaign is also reminding people to take extra care on Halloween and avoid ruining a fun day. Candles and jack-o-lanterns bring fire hazards, as well as children dressing up in fancy dress costumes, some which can catch fire easily.
Here is some advice for a safe Halloween
- only buy fancy dress costumes from reputable retailers
- always check the label – clothing will always burn if in contact with naked flames, but some much faster than others
- keep other flammable items out children’s reach and make sure they know what to do if something catches alight
Emma Roberts added: “There is plenty of fire safety advice at .hwfire.org.uk/safety-and-advice/ and at www.hwfire.org.uk, and you can also contact our Prevention Team on 0800 032 1155 to see if you might qualify for a free Home Fire Safety visit.
“You can also complete a FREE online Home Fire Safety check now by following the link on our website. This easy-to-follow home fire safety check will take you through your home a room at a time – the simple questions will help you spot fire risks as you go around your home.”
For more information about the campaign, visit the hwfire.org.uk/safety-and-advice/ and cbtrust.org.uk/national-burn-awareness-day/ .