OSFM Stresses Safety During Burn Awareness Week
The CDC reported 276,086 people received
medical care for unintentional burn injuries in 2020
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[February 06, 2023]
National Burn Awareness Week February 5-11, is
an initiative of the American Burn Association. During this time,
burn, fire, and life safety educators increase public awareness on
the frequency, devastation, and causes of burn injuries as well as
consistent and authoritative measures to prevent these injuries and
how to best care for those who are injured. |
The
theme for National Burn Awareness Week 2023 is “Hot Liquids Burn
Like Fire!” According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), 276,086 people received medical care for treatment
of unintentional burn injuries in 2020, with 3,028 deaths from fire
and smoke inhalation. Of 87 hospitals reporting to the American Burn
Association registry, 91,875 people were treated for burn-related
injuries, with 32% of those being for scalds.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),
approximately every 60 seconds someone in the U.S. sustains a burn
injury serious enough to require treatment. A scald injury can
happen at any age. Children, older adults, and people with
disabilities are especially at risk. Hot liquids from bath water,
hot coffee, and even microwaved soup can cause devastating injuries.
Scald burns are the second leading cause of all burn injuries.
“Today, 96.8% of those who suffer burn injuries will
survive. Unfortunately, many of those survivors will sustain serious
scarring, life-long physical disabilities causing difficulties
adjusting back to everyday life after their injury,” said Acting
Illinois State Fire Marshal Dale Simpson. [to top of second
column] |
“It’s important to take all
necessary safety measures like creating a 3-foot kid free zone
around the stove, turning all pot and pan handles in to prevent
accidental burns, teaching kids what is hot or not, and keeping
hot liquids out of the reach of little hands. Following a few of
these steps will help to prevent an accidental life changing
burn.” “Each year, more
than 275,000 people receive medical care for treatment of
unintentional burn injuries. Many survivors we interact with at our
camp and through other support programs have been injured due to hot
liquids, steam, and hot bath water,” said Camp I Am Me Executive
Director Phillip Zaleski. “Whether it is in the kitchen or in the
bathroom, always be present when a child is in the area, and if you
must leave, take the child with you to ensure their safety. Our
Summer Camp and other programs and services support children and
adults affected by burn-related injuries, bringing much needed
strength and happiness to survivors and their families.”
To learn more about Camp I Am Me programs visit:
https://www.ifsa.org/supportgroup
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |