Three children a day were treated for a burn injury at the Queensland Children’s Hospital last winter, prompting a warning for parents as temperatures drop this winter.
Between June and August last year, 302 children required emergency treatment for burn injuries, with around one in seven burns linked to fireplaces, campfires or heaters (42 cases).
Hot drinks and food also remained a common cause of injury, with 28 children burned by hot tea, coffee and boiling water, and another 22 by hot noodles.
Burns from vaporisers (11) and hot water bottles (9) also increased during the colder months.
Queensland Children’s Hospital Director of Burns, Trauma, Paediatric Surgery and Urology, Professor Roy Kimble, said around 60 per cent of children treated for burns were under five years old.
“Toddlers are particularly at risk because their natural curiosity can lead them to touch heaters or pull down pots and containers filled with hot liquid,” Prof Kimble said.
“Burns from fires and campfires are also common and often happen after the flames appear to be out.
“Campfires covered with sand can stay dangerously hot, with buried coals retaining temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius for hours after the fire is no longer visible.
“The safest way to extinguish a campfire is with water, which cools the coals much faster and significantly reduces the risk of serious burns.”
Prof Kimble said winter also saw an increase in injuries caused by hot water bottles, which should be replaced yearly.
“Even when they appear to be in good condition, tiny internal cracks can cause hot water bottles to split, leak or suddenly burst, leading to serious scald injuries,” Prof Kimble said.
“They should never be given to babies or young children.”
Simple safety measures around the home can help prevent many burns, including using the back stovetop burners, keeping microwaves out of children’s reach, and placing hot food and drinks away from the edges of tables and benches.
Always closely supervise children around heaters, fireplaces, campfires and other heat sources, keeping them at a safe distance to help prevent serious burns.
If a burn does occur, place the injured area under cool running water for 20 minutes and seek medical treatment immediately by phoning Triple Zero (000).
While immediate first aid is best, applying cool running water can still help up to three hours after the injury.
Do not use ice, oil, butter or ointments to treat a burn as this can further damage the skin.
ENDS
Media contact: t: +61 7 3068 5111 e: chqnews@health.qld.gov.au