According to WickedLocal.com, Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan launched Burn Awareness Week last week, February 5 – 11, and urges everyone to take the simple precautionary measures in order to prevent serious burn injuries.
Massachusetts Burn Injury Statistics
The Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting System (M-BIRS) compiles injury reports for all burn incidents affecting at least five percent of the victim’s body. According to its 2010 annual report, there were 535 burn injuries that year. Forty-one percent of these were caused by scalds due to grease and cooking liquids, tap water, hot liquids, steam, and food. Children under the age of five accounted for 28 percent of all scald burn injuries.
Child Scald Injury Prevention Tips
The Massachusetts Fire Marshall recommends the following tips to avoid child scalding injuries:
- Never hold toddlers or babies while drinking hot tea or coffee;
- Make sure all hot soups and/or drinks are placed close to the center of the table, out of grabbing distance;
- Consider using placemats instead of tablecloths so young children cannot pull the tablecloth and everything on it onto themselves;
- Establish a perimeter around the barbecue and stove which children may not enter;
- Make sure pot handles are always pointed inward on the stove; and
- Always supervise children in bathtubs. In addition, place them turned away from the faucet so they do not turn on the hot water accidently.
Treating Scald Burns
If a scald injury should occur, the first steps are to remove the victim from the dangerous condition and call 9-1-1. Until emergency services arrive, you should do the following:
- Cool the burn with cold water, no lotions, butter, ointments, or fats;
- Remove any watches or jewelry from the affected area before it swells;
- Never remove clothing that is sticking to the burn as it can cause further injury and/or infection; and
- Protect the burn with a clean towel or sheet.
When to Contact a Massachusetts Child Injury Lawyer
If your child has suffered a burn injury due to the negligence, recklessness, or lack of supervision of another, you and your child may have cause for legal action. Contact the compassionate Boston child injury attorneys with the Kiley Law Group today to learn more about how you can obtain the compensation your child deserves. Call (888) 208-1695 for a free consultation of your legal rights and options.
