High risk of burns in summer says Hamilton Hospital

The risk of serious burns increases as temperatures rise during the spring and summer.

A Hamilton General Hospital blog says that many trauma cases are due to risky behaviour around campfires, brush fires and barbecues.  Another source of summer burn injuries is lightning, according to the blog.

According to Natalie Hanna, burn clinician at the HGH burn unit, damage to the skin can range from mild superficial redness requiring only minor treatment to deep, full thickness burns involving muscle and bone damage. Severe injuries can require months of treatment in the burn unit.

Roughly 15% of patients admitted to Hamilton Health Sciences for burns were injured around campfires or barbecues.

Hamilton fire department’s spokesperson, Claudio Mostacci, says that barbecue fires are particularly common at the beginning of the season because damage that occurred over winter can allow propane or gas to leak. He says it’s important to check all connections before using your barbecue.

Mostacci adds that alcohol and drugs can increase the risk of burns caused by fire. He urges everyone to, “be aware of alcohol and anything that might cause you to lose your balance and fall.” Even if you aren’t impaired, he says it’s important to keep your distance from flames because your clothes can catch fire quickly.

To stay safe this summer, make sure you have a working smoke detector on every floor of your house and a carbon monoxide detector on all floors with bedrooms. Hamilton Fire provides the following tips to minimize your risk of fire and burns outdoors:

Brush fires and campfires:

• Never add an accelerant (like gasoline or alcohol) to a fire
• Never use accelerant to start a fire
• Keep all flammable items far away from any flame, especially clothing
• Don’t stand over a fire because the carbon monoxide can make you dizzy and lose your balance
• Keep your distance from a fire if you’ve been drinking or using drugs
• If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop and roll

Barbecues:

• Clean your barbecue lines annually
• Make sure all connections are secure
• Always light your barbecue with the lid open
• Never leave the grill unattended
• If your barbecue catches fire, don’t try to put it out. Call 9-1-1
• If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop and roll

Lightning:

• Go indoors if possible
• Stay away from windows and doors
• Stay off computers and keep the TV turned off
• If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop and roll