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BURN PREVENTION STARTS AT HOME Every 30 minutes a human life is lost somewhere in the United States. Every hour two lives are lost, 114 injuries occur with 15 requiring hospitalization. More than 35% of these injuries and deaths are children. Recent research lists burn-related deaths as a leading cause of accidental death in children under 14, with the highest risk group listed as those under 2 years of age.Seventy-five percent of all burns result from the victim's own actions. In the "over 70" age group 75% of these burns involve flame burns frequently associated with cooking, smoking, and the use of matches. Of the burn injuries, 65-75% occur at home. A recent study has revealed that more than 90% of microwave oven owners have been burned to varying degrees and at least 75% of all homes have microwave ovens.
The increased use of alternative heating devices, especially wood burning stoves and kerosene heaters, have increased the number of contact burns dramatically. More than 35% of these burns directly involve children. Hot water and scalding liquids are an ever increasing cause of burn injuries in the United States today. For example, tap water heated to excess of 130ø F can cause serious burns in seconds. Liquids spilled in the kitchen account for a large number of burns to adults and children. Children and adults who suffer burn injuries often face years of reconstructive surgeries, physical and psychological rehabilitation.
Some major issues that many burn survivors must face are:
In addition to these considerations, the burn patient requires strong post-hospital support with re-socialization efforts. Many medical facilities do not offer these services to discharged patients. In spite of advancements in modern burn treatment procedures, patients with serious burns will undergo emotional, psychological and physical turmoil as they work their way through treatment programs and lifestyle adjustments. Most burn injuries are easily preventable if proper safety precautions are followed while working with and around hot liquids and materials. We must all adopt burn prevention behavior in our homes and workplaces -- it doesn't always happen to someone else.
Because young children are the highest risk group for burn injuries, you can best protect them with burn prevention programs targeted at parents and other care-givers.
Here are some important tips to share: