Queensland Children’s Hospital emergency data shows hot noodles, soups and boiling water remain the most common causes of serious burns to young children in winter, prompting a warning for parents to take extra care when cooking and serving winter warmers.
Last winter, 33 children needed emergency treatment at the Queensland Children’s Hospital for scalds from hot noodles and soups, nearly double the number of presentations in 2020.
A further 33 children were treated for burns from boiling water in winter 2024, and 24 from tea, coffee and hot drinks.
Campfires/fireplaces (24) and stove tops/ovens (7) rounded out the most common causes of burns seen at the hospital in 2024.
Queensland Children’s Hospital Director of Burns and Trauma, Professor Roy Kimble, said around 60 percent of these burns were on children under the age of four.
“Toddlers are typically most at risk from contact burns and scalds, because they are learning how to stand and walk, and explore their environment,” Professor Kimble said.
“While doing this, they will often reach out and touch or pull down on containers or pots filled with hot liquids.
“Accidents also happen around adults are cooking or handling hot coffees and drinks with kids around them.
“Boiling water and other hot liquids can quickly cause serious burns in seconds. These injuries often require long-term treatment and result in permanent scarring.”
Parents of young children are encouraged to use the back elements on stovetops with handles turned inwards where possible and to ensure hot food and drinks are kept away from the edges of tables and benches, and out of reach of curious little hands.
Parents are also reminded to take extra care when having hot drinks around children. Always use a cup with a secure lid when drinking hot beverages and be cautious when removing hot drinks or food from the microwave. Keep microwaves at a safe height to avoid reaching up and risking spills around little ones.
Hot water bottles should also be replaced every year, even if they look fine as tiny cracks inside can lead to serious burns, especially if rolled on during sleep. Never give hot water bottles to babies or young children, as their skin is more sensitive and can burn slowly without them realising.
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 it is ideal to apply first aid immediately, if running water is not available immediately, it is still beneficial to apply cool running water up to three hours after the injury,” Professor Kimble said.
“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