Families across the Bath area have been offered advice from the fire service to help prevent hot drink scalds, after it was revealed around 30 children are treated for burns every day.
Burn injuries from incidents involving hot drinks can be extremely scarring both physically and psychologically and can present life-long problems for those affected and their families.
According to the Children’s Burns Trust, 30 children across the country are treated in hospital for scalds from hot drinks each day.
Meghann Elvin, Prevention Manager at Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) said: “We know that most people like a cup of tea or coffee to start their day, but without proper safety measures, an innocent hot drink can lead to serious harm.”
The fire service has offered the following advice:
- Never carry a hot drink whilst carrying a baby
- Never pass hot drinks over the heads of young children
- Never drink hot drinks whilst breastfeeding
- Keep hot drinks out of reach of children and put them down safely on the appropriate surface (for example, no soft surfaces).
The team at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and North Bristol NHS Trust Adult Burns services said: “The majority of injuries that we see are preventable, and by following simple advice, you can help to prevent serious injuries with potentially lifelong consequences.”
First aid for burns and scalds is as simple as ‘COOL, CALL, COVER’:
- Cool the burn with cool lukewarm (not cold) running water for at least 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or stuck firmly to the wound). This has been shown to be beneficial for at least three hours after the time of injury.
- Call for help if the burn is larger than a 50p coin. You can call 999 for emergencies, use the 111 service or contact your GP.
- Cover the area with cling film or a specialist burn dressing (available from most pharmacies).
- Make sure to keep the person warm to help prevent shock.
