Dec 03 2024 26 mins
In this episode of Prepared Not Scared, Paediatric Nurses Penny and Sarah delve into one of the most common—and preventable—injuries in childhood: burns. Through personal stories and professional experience, they highlight the realities of burns in children, covering everything from kitchen mishaps to outdoor fires and playtime accidents. With practical advice on first aid for burns, Penny and Sarah provide straightforward, evidence-based steps that parents can use to prevent burns and respond effectively if one occurs.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Common Causes of Burns in Children
- Types of Burns (Superficial, Partial Thickness, Full Thickness)
- Immediate First Aid for Burns – 20 Minutes of Cool Running Water
- Red Flags for Burns (BURNS Acronym)
- Understanding Burn Severity and When to Seek Medical Help
Takeaways:
- Burn Prevention: From kitchen safety to campfires, knowing how to spot potential burn hazards and making small adjustments at home can prevent many common childhood burns.
- Burns First Aid: Always start with 20 minutes of cool running water (no ice, oils, or creams initially). This is essential to relieve pain, minimise damage, and help the skin begin healing.
- Recognising Red Flags: The BURNS acronym can help parents identify when a burn needs urgent medical care:
- B – Blisters
- U – Unsure if it’s healing
- R – Restricted areas like neck or airway
- N – Nethers (sensitive areas)
- S – Size larger than a 50-cent coin
- Seeking Medical Help: Any burn that meets the red flags criteria, or if in doubt, should be assessed by a healthcare provider. Treatment and follow-up are important for proper healing, particularly to prevent infection or scarring.
Additional Resources:
- Fiona Wood Foundation for more information on burns research and treatments
- Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines on burn first aid
- Solid Starts app for tips on child safety and injury prevention