As Burn Awareness Week (Feb. 5-11) comes to an end, Dr. Rajiv Sood, co-medical director of the Riley Hospital for Children Burn Center at Indiana University Health, encourages Hoosier families to remember that burn awareness and prevention are important messages year-round.
Why is Burn Awareness Week important?
Burn Awareness Week is traditionally observed the first full week of February. Since winter months bring an increased fire risk, Burn Awareness Week is a perfect time to focus on preventing fires and protecting children.
What are the most common burn injuries seen at Riley at IU Health?
Some of the most common injuries we see year-round are ramen noodle scald burns. Often times, the containers the noodles come in are not sturdy enough for a child’s grip. Noodles that are prepared in the microwave are also extremely hot. Other common injuries happen in the bathtub. Occasionally, parents forget to check the temperature of the water before placing the child in the tub. Children left unattended have also accidentally turned the hot water higher.
What is the difference between a burn and a scald?
A scald is a specific type of burn injury sustained from a hot liquid or steam. These burns can be superficial like a sunburn, or deep requiring surgical excision and skin grafting. Generally, we see more scald burns in younger kids. They are more likely to pull cups or bowls onto themselves. Older kids tend to have more flame or contact burns from matches, curling irons and playing near or falling into camp/bonfires.
Why is burn awareness such an important message for parents?
Children can be unpredictable in their behavior and get injured as a result. Little kids are not able to foresee potential accidents. Older kids often exhibit more fearless behavior and do not always realize that some actions can have bad consequences.
What advice would you give parents to keep their kids safe?
Since the kitchen is a frequent source of burn injuries, children should not be in there while food is being cooked. This advice surprises a lot of parents. We also stress that accidents happen quickly. Parents need to know where their children are and be on the lookout for the potential fire/burn dangers that can occur.
What resources are available to parents to safeguard their homes and children against fire and burns?
The Riley Safety Store at IU Health is a wonderful option for the community. The store carries low-cost home safety items and offers education on how to use them. Some of the products include outlet covers, smoke detectors, bath safety thermometers, escape ladders and safety equipment for children with special needs. For more information, call (888) 365-2022.Reduce risks
To decrease the risk of burn injury:
• Do not allow young children in the kitchen while cooking.
• Turn pot handles on the stove inward.
• Do not let children take heated food from the microwave.
• Do not leave children unattended in bathtubs.
• Test the water with your own hand before placing a child in the tub.
• Use a bath thermometer to obtain an accurate temperature.
• Turn the hot water heater down to 120 degrees.
• Keep all matches, lighters and candles out of the reach of children.
• Keep all heaters, space heaters and fireplaces free from clutter.
