Arizona Burn Center Doctors Urge Parents to Protect Children During the Holidays

I thought my son knew what to do, and he didn't. David Weekley, father of injured child - December 5, 2005

As the temperature plummets and sweaters replace sun block, Arizona Burn Center doctors urge parents to watch their kids around any type of space heater and open flame.

Each year during the holidays, the Arizona Burn Center sees an increase in the number of patients admitted for treatment. It's a problem Trauma Services Director Dr. Marc Matthews believes is preventable.

We have to watch our children in the kitchen and around the stove, Matthews said. We also have to watch our children around the Christmas tree. We need to inspect the wires and inspect the bulbs and make sure they are not frayed. Open flames are also dangerous.

Eight-year-old Christopher Weekley is in the fight of his life today after attempting to warm his hands on his grandmother's kitchen stove over the weekend. Christopher's dad, David Weekley, has been at his son's bedside since the accident.

The sleeve of his shirt caught fire and he panicked and started running, Weekley said. So instead of it being a little burn on his arm, he ended up catching his whole body on fire.

In critical condition after sustaining 3rd degree burns to his chest, abdomen and hands, Christopher has a long road of recovery ahead of him. It's one Weekley wishes his son did not have to travel.

Make sure your kids know proper fire safety and what to do if they catch on fire, Weekley said. I thought my son knew what to do, and he didn't.

In 2004, the Arizona Burn Center began seeing an increasing number of children admitted for treatment. More than 120 were newborn to three years old. This was an alarming 46 percent spike in that demographic since 2000. Additionally, the burn center saw a 67 percent increase in 13- to 17-year-old patients.

In an effort to stop this trend, MIHS recently distributed a public service announcement for burn prevention in children. It can be viewed on the hospital's website here.

Safety Tips

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from furniture or other combustible material, such as curtains and bedding. Don't place heaters on carpets or rugs.
• Locate space heaters on a hard, level surface where a child or family pet cannot brush up against them.
• Never leave a space heater on when an adult is not present in the room.
• Inspect all lights before plugging them in; even if they are new.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
• Unplug all Christmas tree lights before you leave the house or go to bed.
• Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles.
• Give live trees plenty of water daily to keep them as moist as possible.

Last updated on October 7, 2008