Key facts about burns from fire and flame
-
an average of just under five children under the age of 15 die each year from being burnt by fire or flame (based on a five year period from 2002 to 2006)
-
boys and younger children are at higher risk of fire related injury
-
house fires in which children die are most commonly caused by unattended heaters or someone playing with matches, lighters or candles
Key facts about burns from hot objects or substances (such as hot surfaces, objects and liquids)
-
burns from hot objects or substances result in fewer deaths but cause over five times the number of hospitalisations than burns from fire and flame
-
young skin burns more quickly and deeply than adult skin, and at lower temperatures
-
a hot cup of tea spilled over a baby or toddler is equivalent to a bucketful of boiling water tipped over an adult
-
of the children aged one to two years old who are admitted to hospital for burns, over half are severely scalded by spilt hot drinks (tea and coffee) and other liquids (such as soups and noodles)
-
excessively hot tap water in baths, showers and sinks is the next most frequent reason for hot liquid burn (or scald) admissions to hospital
-
almost 40 percent of New Zealand homes have tap water that is dangerously hot, and nearly 10 percent have water so hot that burns are almost inevitable
-
a small adjustment to your hot water tap temperature makes a big difference to your child's risk of burn injury
-
children who are severely burned often require many operations and special treatments over extended periods of time and have to deal with the consequences of disfigurement from their burn for the rest of their lives
How to protect children from burns
Below are Safekids' practical tips for preventing burns:
-
keep hot drinks away from young children and nevernurse a child while holding a hot drink
-
keep kettles and kettle cords where children can’t reach them
- cook on the back elements of the stove first
- turn pot handles toward the back of the stove
- avoid heating babies’ drinks in microwaves; if you do use them, always shake the bottle well once it’s heated
- always supervise young children at bath or shower time and when they wash their hands
- keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, and teach them to take matches or lighters to an adult straight away if they do find them
- secure candles in a candleholder with a wide base and keep them away from anything that will burn easily, such as paper and curtains
- put all candles out before going to sleep or leaving a room
- never use candles in bedrooms
- never leave cooking unattended
- ensure all electrical appliances are in good working order
- don’t overload power points or multi-boxes
- always turn electric blankets off before getting into bed and have them checked yearly by a qualified electrician
-
remember to always run cold water into the bath before you run the hot water
-
a safe temperature for hot tap water is between 50 and 55 degrees; if the water in your home seems too hot, ask a registered plumber or local energy supplier to check it and turn it down
Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for educational use only. Please consult your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2011
| The Paediatric Society of New Zealand http://www.paediatrics.org.nz |
Starship Foundation http://www.starship.org.nz |