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<\/a><\/p>\nThroughout the year, we see many children at the RCH with burn injuries. And during the winter months with the increased use of household heaters, fireplaces and even hot water bottles, we see an increase in these injuries.<\/p>\n
Burn injuries are most common in children under two years of age and mainly occur with hand contact. \u201cGlass-fronted heaters and fires often attract little hands, whether they are fuelled by wood, gas or electricity,\u201d said Chayley Ashbolt from the RCH Safety Centre.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlame burns from open fires can be serious and result in permanent scarring, disability and the need for long-term treatment. Prevention is really important,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
During the colder months, hot water bottles also\u00a0provide warmth but they can also be dangerous. Injuries from hot water bottles can vary from minor and superficial burns to large and deep burns.<\/p>\n
To avoid burn injuries, it\u2019s important to make the home environment as safe as possible. Here are some points to keep in mind:<\/p>\n
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- We recommend that you do not use hot water bottles with children as their skin is too sensitive.<\/li>\n
- If you do have, or are planning to purchase, a glass-fronted heater, a guard enclosing the heater will make for a much safer environment.<\/li>\n
- A good test to determine if your heater requires a guard is to carefully try placing your hand on the heater\u2019s surface; if you\u2019re unable to leave your hand there for 10 seconds you should have a guard surrounding the heater, to prevent contact burns to young children.<\/li>\n
- Guards should be about 700mm high. If the openings in the screen are 20mm or smaller, place the guard at least 150mm clear of any hot surface. If larger than 20mm, keep the guard at least 500mm clear of hot surfaces to prevent children reaching through.<\/li>\n
- When shopping for a heater, look for these specific features:\n
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- Thermostat<\/b> \u2013 maintains a desired average room temperature.<\/li>\n
- Fan <\/b>\u2013 Allows for quick and more even heat distribution. The fan can be switched off, leaving the thermostat to maintain room temperature.<\/li>\n
- Stability<\/b> \u2013 ensure the heater is stable enough to not tip over with tilted to an angle of 15 degrees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important that families are aware of the correct action to take if a child in their care suffers a burn or scald – the most important action being to immediately immerse the complete burn area under cold running water for 20 minutes.\u00a0 No ice, no creams.\u00a0 This action alone can reduce the severity of the burn,\u201d said Chayley.<\/p>\n
- Fan <\/b>\u2013 Allows for quick and more even heat distribution. The fan can be switched off, leaving the thermostat to maintain room temperature.<\/li>\n
- Thermostat<\/b> \u2013 maintains a desired average room temperature.<\/li>\n