Arizona Burn Center Sees Increase in Child Burns

March 29, 2005 - Doctors from the Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center are seeing a worrisome increase in pediatric patients admitted into the burn center. It's an alarming trend that can, in most cases, be easily prevented, states Marc Matthews, M.D. associate medical director for the Arizona Burn Center.

Matthews urges all parents to refresh themselves on the rules of avoiding a critical burn injury:

Stovetop

 

• Place all pots and pans on the back burner and turn handles inward (away from the edge of the stove).
• Do not put hot post with food or water on the floor
• Do not put hot liquids within a child's reach

Camping

 

• Keep children away from the campfire. Accidents happen and children can trip into the flames.
• Be sure to cover up all residue from a campfire. Ambers from a fire can remain hot enough to burn skin even after flames have been extinguished.
• Keep all metal barbeque units away from children. Metal is a strong conductor of heat and can burn skin.

Bathtime

• Be sure water heaters are turned down to at least 115 degrees.
• Bathtub temperatures should be comfortable to the touch.
• Parents should always check bathwater temperatures before putting their child in the tub.

It only takes a few seconds for a child's skin to burn once in contact with a hot liquid or fire. Those life altering and skin scarring burns can be prevented.

The Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center is the second largest burn center in the nation in terms of patient volume. Our center boasts a 98 percent survival rate and is nationally renown for its education and outreach efforts.

Members of the media interested in pursuing a story regarding the information above may call Holly Ward, public relations coordinator at 602-344-5493/desk or 602-608-5333/pgr.

Last updated on October 7, 2008