Friday 20
June
15.00hrs
A group of Bristol organisations have joined together for Child
Safety Week (23 to 27 June) to help cut the number of youngsters
suffering burns and scalds following accidents in the home.
Avonsafe, made up of representatives from Avon Fire & Rescue
Service (AF&RS), Bristol City Council, Avon and Somerset
Constabulary, Bristol Primary Care Trust and the Bristol
Association for Neighbourhood Daycare (BAND), will be visiting
parents of young children as well as handing out leaflets at local
health and children’s centres.
Of the 510 young people admitted to Frenchay Hospital’s
specialist unit last year suffering from burns and scalds, 190 were
from the Bristol area. The majority of those admitted to the
hospital had scald injuries, which had mainly been caused by hot
drinks. Frenchay’s specialists also saw 14 youngsters from Bristol
who had been scalded as a result of baths being filled with very
hot water.
Asda in Bedminster is lending its support to Avonsafe’s
initiative by funding 100 dolphin-shaped bath thermometers and
agreeing to hand out leaflets to customers highlighting steps
parents can take to reduce the risk.
These thermometers, along with another 300 which have been
funded by AF&RS, will be handed out by firefighters during Home
Fire Safety Visits to families with young children.
During the week, Bristol City Council will also begin piloting a
scheme in residential properties to install thermostatic mixing
valves, which permanently restrict the temperature of water coming
out of the tap. Information packs on burns and scalds have also
been sent to local children’s centres.
Watch Manager Steve Halstead, Bristol Community Safety Officer
for AF&RS and chair of the Avonsafe Children’s and Young People
Group, said: “Firefighters often see the horrendous effects of
burns and it is always distressing to see a young child scarred for
life as a result of a preventable injury.
“Many scalds are preventable – children are naturally
inquisitive, lively and boisterous and this can spell disaster when
hot drinks are around or when they are left unsupervised with hot
baths running.”
Caroline James from Frenchay Hospital who is also involved with
Avonsafe, added; “Burns and scalds produce terrible scarring
injuries to hundreds of young children every year. But it doesn’t
just stop there – the psychological effect on a young person can
often be more of a problem than the physical injury.
“By observing some very basic rules, parents and guardians can
help prevent injuries happening in the first place.”
Dr Hugh Annett, director of public health at Bristol PCT said:
“The PCT welcomes the chance to support this campaign which we hope
will mean that fewer children end up with terrible burns or
scalds.”
Bristol City Councillor Peter Hammond, deputy leader and
executive member for cohesion and raising attainment,
said: "It's important that anyone who cares for
children understands what to do in the event of a burn or scalding
incident.
“Child Safety Week is a valuable opportunity to ensure
that we work together to promote these messages and prevent more
youngsters ending up at accident and emergency."
If a child has a burn or scald:
- Continuously cool the injured area immediately with clean
cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- If material is sticking to the skin do not attempt to remove
it.
- If possible, remove jewellery, rings and watches if near the
burn/scald as the area may swell.
- Loosely cover the affected area with a clean, non fluffy
material, such as cling film, to protect it from
infection.
- Never put creams, ointments, grease, antiseptic spray or
adhesive dressings on the area.
- If the burn or scald involves the face, hands, feet, joints
or genitals or is larger than a postage stamp, get advice from a
doctor, your local accident and emergency department or NHS direct
on 0845 4647.