A significant proportion of burns and scalds are among children under the age of 5 where the most prevalent cause of injury is from hot liquids, such as tea and coffee spills and liquids on the stove. Accidents like these are entirely preventable. (Source: Burns Trust)
289 children a month require admission to an NHS Burns Service following injury with hot liquids. (International Burn Injury Database (iBID) 2017/18).
Mini First Aid Advice for the treatment of Burns & Scalds
- Cool the burn with running cold tap water for at least 10 minutes and preferably 20 minutes.
- Remove any clothing and jewellery near the burn (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound).
- Cover with cling film or a sterile non-fluffy dressing or cloth. Make sure the patient is kept warm.
- If necessary call for help – 999 or 111.
Following our first aid advice for a burn or scald can make an enormous difference in recovery times and the severity of scarring.
Do:
- Use a stove guard in the kitchen.
- Keep hot drinks out of reach of babies and young children.
- Keep saucepans at the back of the stove NOT near the front – turn handles to the back.
- Keep kettles, irons, hair straighteners or wires out of reach.
- Install smoke alarms on each floor and test regularly.
- Run COLD water first in the bath or sink before adding hot water – test the temperature
- Store matches and lighters out of reach
- Store chemicals, cleaners and acids out of reach and in a locked cupboard.
- Attend a Mini First Aid Class to learn life saving first aid skills.
Don’t:
- Drink hot drinks while nursing/holding a baby or child
- Put a baby or child into a bath or sink until the water has been tested
- Warm baby bottles in the microwaves
- Leave hair straighteners unattended
- Allow children near BBQs or garden chemicals
- Leave children unattended in the kitchen or near fires and heaters
To attend a Mini First Aid Class go to www.minifirstaid.co.uk