As the temperatures drop and the evenings get darker, we may worry more about the opportunity of slipping on ice than sustaining burn injuries.
But, itching (brought on by hot liquid or steam) and burns (brought on by hot objects like ovens and hair tongs) are essentially the most common. Common holiday injuries, Especially in children.
As a nurse with extensive experience treating burns and scalds, I'm able to offer some tips about find out how to stay protected through the festive season, in addition to what to do should an accident occur. How to treat wounds?
Hot drinks
Children's skin is more delicate than adults and burns more easily. Hot drinks within the UK account for 60% All burns in children under the age of three who attend Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments. He is 30 babies and toddlers Burns from hot drinks are taken to the hospital each day. There can also be burning from hot drinks. Common in elderly peoplemostly Due to limited mobility.
To avoid scalds Keep hot drinks out of reach of kids this Christmas and never carry hot drinks with you Holding a baby. To reduce the chance of burns, think about using travel mugs with spill-proof lids.
Usually through the festive season there are numerous parties with guests having drinks and food around. Then watch out to not pour hot drinks over children's (and adults') heads. It's also idea to avoid having hot drinks on the table – children can pull them down. Finally, avoid quitting. Hot drinks without focus Or carry them across the house.
Hobbes
Christmas often means more time within the kitchen, cooking for friends and relatives. Ovens, hobs and grills will be burn hazards if not properly maintained. These include burning with electric hobs. Top four reasons of injuries in children. In 2023, About 642 children was admitted to the NHS Burns Service on account of injuries related to an electrical hob. These figures don’t include patients seen and managed in A&E departments.
Radiators
Radiators and towel rails are common causes of burns. In 2023, 160 children were admitted to the NHS burn service due to burns. With heated radiators.
It may be very essential to show children in regards to the dangers of hot surfaces across the home. Try to maintain children away from radiators, hot water pipes and towel rails – and consider installing protective covers or pipe sleeves to scale back the chance of direct contact with hot surfaces.
Chimney
A fire is a big burn hazard – not only the flames, but in addition the surfaces surrounding it and the tools used to keep up the hearth. Embers and sparks can fly from the hearth, and in the event that they land on the skin may cause burns – or eye injuries. Sparks can travel incredibly long distances, becoming a fireplace hazard in the event that they land. Flammable clothing or soft furnishings.
Pokers, tongs and logs used to begin fires will be extremely hot and must be handled with care – and kept out of the reach of kids. Proper chimney and flue maintenance and regular cleansing may also help. Reduce incidents It's all the time idea to make use of embers and sparks a. Properly installed fire guard which surrounds the complete fire and wall if you could have an open fire or log burner in your property, especially if there are kids.
Fireworks and sparklers
Fireworks could also be a beautiful a part of New Year's celebrations, but also they are potentially deadly explosive devices that Causes serious injuries including lack of fingers, vision and everlasting disfigurement. According to the Children's Burns Trust, More than 550 children Children under 16 are taken to A&E within the 4 weeks around bonfire night. Flashes, often considered harmless, can reach temperature. 20 times that of boiling water.
To Avoid accidents on the displayfollow. Fireworks Safety Advice And remember it's safer. Attend official public events. moderately than private or family. Of course, never give fireworks to children— Even the glitter ones.
Extension cords and tree lights
Christmas trees and decorations are a central a part of the vacation season – but they can be a serious fire and burn hazard. Tree lights, for instance, may look pretty and festive but they’re. Danger to small children And pets which might chew them and sustain electrical burns.
Overloading extension leads and appliances with too many pre-lights may cause the cord to overheat and cause an electrical fire. This risk increases when extension cords are placed near flammable materials resembling curtains or Christmas trees.
Christmas trees – each real and artificial – can dry out and be highly flammable. Make sure you retain the trees away from candles, heating vents and every other heat sources.
First aid
Adequate first aid This makes all of the difference in the case of the severity of the injury and subsequent recovery. It reduces tissue damage and improves the success of medical treatments. For every kind of burns, remember the three Cs:
Cool, call and canopy
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cold Burns are flushed with cold running water for 20 minutes to stop the burning process. Remove rings and clothing except when stuck to the wound.
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Call 999. 111 or for advice from a neighborhood GP if the burn is larger than a 50p coin in size.
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Cover Cover with a clean cloth or cling film. Keep the patient warm to stop heat loss.
Finally, should you just do one thing for fire safety this Christmas, install a smoke alarm or, should you have already got one, check that it's working: You are eight times You usually tend to die from a fireplace if your property doesn’t have a working smoke alarm.