On National Burn Awareness Day, 13 October 2021, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is aiming to drive down the number of burns and scalds, especially to children.
The day 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, especially in children and the elderly.
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 day 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, especially in children and the elderly.
Children’s Burns Trust works alongside the British Burn Association to raise awareness and grow the momentum of National Burn Awareness Day each year.
According to the Children’s Burns Trust, more than 8,000 children nationally were seriously burned or scalded in December 2020, and 30 a day by hot drinks, not including the thousands seen by A&E departments.
Additionally, more than 8,600 adults were burned or scalded, while the most common place of injury for children is in the home – almost half occurring in the kitchen. Children under 5 are most at risk from hot drink spills, such as tea and coffee.
The vast majority of these are preventable.
This message is especially important as both Halloween and Bonfire Night draw near.
Emma Roberts, HWFRS Prevention Manager, 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 Do’s 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
- make sure 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 Sunday 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
For more information visit hwfire.org.uk/safety-and-advice/ and cbtrust.org.uk/national-burn-awareness-day/