2Burns

 Preventing Burns

The best way to keep children protected from burns and scalds is to keep them away from fire and heat. This section gives you some tips for doing so and what to do if something goes wrong. A child has no way of knowing that a tap, an oven door or a plate that has been microwaved can burn and cause serious pain. The only way of protecting children is with constant supervision.

 In the kitchen

• Keep handles on pots and pans towards the back of the stove
• Never leave the kitchen if you are using pots and pans, toasters, kettles etc
• Never let children play in the kitchen if you are using the stove
• Keep cooking areas free of towels and other flammable materials

 Around the house

• Don’t iron with children around. Save this until they are asleep and put hot irons away.
• Make sure clothes and toys and children are at least 1 metre way from any sort of heater or fire.
• Ensure matches and lighters are in a locked cabinet or stored high shelf where children can’t reach them.
• Never leave candles unattended. Blow them out when you leave the room.
• Never smoke cigarettes around children.
• Keep children away from hot barbeques and clean off any grease before use.
• Ensure harmful chemicals and cleaners are stored out of reach of children at all times.
• If there are heaters in bedrooms, make sure they are turned off or on a very low setting when you go to bed.
• Lights can burn. Make sure children cant touch bare light bulbs or take them out of the socket.

 No hot drinks

Whilst having a cup of tea might seem like a relaxed time to bond with baby and children, hot drinks can scald the skin. Make sure you put your cup well out of children’s reach.

 In the car

Burns can occur anywhere! Keep a lookout for potential hazards everywhere inside and out! Watch out for car buckle seats. On a hot day these can reach soaring temperatures and cause shocking burns. Always remember to check and cool the belt down before securing a child inside.

 How to treat a burn

• Immediately cool burns under running water for up to 20 minutes
• Elevate burned limbs when possible
• Keep the area cool
• Do not try to remove fabric or any objects stuck to the burn
• Cover the burn with a non-stick, sterile dressing or gauze to protect the area
• Do not apply ice, lotions, aloe vera gel, butter, or any substance to the burn
• Seek medical help immediately if the burn is on the face, genitals, hands or airway
• Go immediately to a hospital if the burn is larger than a 20 cent coin or if it is deep or raw in the flesh

 Watch this important video on the treatment of burns

Video provided courtesy of Premium Health

Here is first aid for burns in pictures courtesy of Raising Children Network: