Citation

Martin L, Rea S, McWilliams T, Wood F. Burns 2014; 40(5): 1030-1032.

Affiliation

Burn Injury Research Unit, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Burn Service of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia; Fiona Wood Foundation, P.O. Box 4101, Wembley, WA 6913, Australia. Electronic address: Lisa.Martin3@health.wa.gov.au.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.burns.2013.10.023

PMID

24280525

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Burns from hot ash are common in the paediatric population in Western Australia. Fifty children were admitted to the paediatric burn centre with hot ash contact burns to the feet in 2011 and 2012. It is important to examine the extent of the problem, seasonal variations, and identify those at risk to determine strategies for prevention campaigns.

METHOD: Retrospective review of medical notes for all admissions to the paediatric burns unit was undertaken for 2011 and 2012. Data were collected for patient demographics, time, circumstance of injury, burn severity and treatment.

RESULTS: Hot ash burns accounted for 8.6% of admissions but 16.1% of burns sustained in non-metro areas. Median age was just under 3 years, male or female. Median burn TBSA was 2%, and 44% of children required surgery. The burns were less common in summer, more common on non-school days and in children who were on camping trips away from home.

DISCUSSION: Previous work has shown the value of targeted campaigns. The group for targeted prevention campaigns are the carers of very young children who go camping. Information distributed at camping shows and stores about the principles of campfire safety would reach the people at risk.

Language: en