FIRE AND BURN PREVENTION
Burns are one of the most painful, emotionally devastating and disfiguring injuries.
Scald burn injury (caused by hot liquids or steam) is the most common type of burn-related injury among young children, while flame burns (caused by direct contact with fire) are more prevalent among older children. Children are also at risk for contact, electrical and chemical burns. Because young children have thinner skin than older children and adults, their skin burns at lower temperatures and more deeply. A child exposed to hot tap water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for three seconds will sustain a third-degree burn, an injury requiring hospitalization and skin grafts. Children, especially those ages 4 and under, may not perceive danger, have less control of their environment, may lack the ability to escape a life-threatening burn situation and may not be able to tolerate the physical stress of a burn injury (Safe Kids USA).
True Story
A 4 year old boy was trying to help prepare dinner for himself and his siblings by microwaving a cup of instant soup. He found it too hot to handle and dropped it. Spilling the contents over his face, neck, chest and right arm. The boiling liquid instantly produced second and third degree burns. The hot noodles and his shirt stuck to his skin providing further injury. The child was immediately provided analgesia for pain control and wound care was begun. Child Protective Services was contacted due to the concern of poor supervision or possibly neglect. The child was admitted to the burn unit for pain control and initial burn wound care. His ongoing therapy will include further wound management and psychological counseling.