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Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Summertime Fun Can Lead to Summertime Burns

University Medical Center offers tips on how to prevent accidents and keep safe during summer

As the 4th of July approaches, UMC’s Burn Care Center staff are preparing to treat an increasing number of people because of careless burns.

Most people think that sunburns are the only thing to worry about in the summer. But UMC staff wants people to be aware that some of the most common and serious burns occur because of high temperatures and accidents associated with summertime activities, such as barbeques and campouts.

As temperatures rise, so does the likelihood of people being burned from leather seats, seatbelt buckles and the steering wheel, since interior car temperatures can reach more than 120 degrees.

“It can take 24 hours to see the full effect of a burn,” says Mary Martinat, outreach coordinator at UMC’s Burn Care Center. “As hard as it is to imagine, it’s possible to receive a second-degree burn from sitting on a hot car seat.”

UMC’s Burn Care Center staff also warns against radiator burns from cars. Some people do not wait for the car to cool off, and instead try to open the radiator cap slowly while looking away. This is not safe. The pressure forces that cap off, badly burning the person.

It is important to take precautions to prevent these types of burns from occurring, especially when children are involved. Make sure that children are protected from these and other hot surfaces. Even walking barefoot and playing on metallic playground equipment can result in serious burns.

When it comes time to barbeque, whether a gas grill or a charcoal grill is used, precautions need to be taken. Children should never be allowed around a hot grill. Martinat suggests having a “free zone” around the grill. This is an area clear of toys where children are not allowed to play. Make sure the grill is moved away from the house and any trellis, check gas grills for leaks, and keep grills clean to prevent flare-ups. Also, never add lighter fluid or other flammable substance to a lit barbeque.

Campfires are another source of burns this time of year. People sometimes think that because the wood is burned down, the fire is extinguished. This is often not the case. Embers can remain hot for hours even after the flames are gone.

Never step on the embers to make sure a fire is out. The best way to ensure a campfire is safely extinguished is to douse the fire with water and cover it with dirt. This process should be repeated at least three times, UMC officials advise.

When it comes to children and fire, Martinat encourages parents to teach their children that matches and lighters are not toys. Children should always be supervised.

During 4th of July celebrations, fireworks are another common cause of summertime burns. People often throw fireworks or sparklers on the ground, and stepping on these can cause burns to the feet and lower legs. Keep a bucket of water nearby so that sparklers and fireworks can be disposed of properly. Keep in mind that fireworks that do not work the first time could have a delayed ignition that can cause serious burns. Never try to relight a firework that does not work.

If you do sustain a burn, do not use home remedies to treat it. Home remedies such as butter, oil, and wet bandages can actually increase the depth of a burn. These remedies also limit the treatment options of the UMC Burn Care Center’s staff. The best way to treat a burn is to lightly wrap it with a dry cloth and go to the nearest burn center or emergency room.

Remember, most burns are preventable, and taking a few simple precautions can keep summertime fun at home and out of the emergency room. Visit www.umcsn.com for more information on how to prevent burns.

Contact Information:
Kristina Zemaitis , Public Relations Specialist
(702) 383-3617
kristina.zemaitis@umcsn.com
University Medical Center
1800 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89102