Livingston, N.J. -- As
summer approaches, families across the state will soon be spending
their days outside enjoying the warm weather and the fun activities
it brings.
According to Lisa Jones, Community Burn Educator for The Burn
Center at Saint Barnabas, New Jersey’s only state certified
burn treatment facility, “While the summer is a wonderful
time for fun, it is vitally important to keep burn safety and
prevention in mind.”
During the summer month, The Burn Center sees its share of children
and adults with burns caused by sun exposure, gasoline and camp
fires. “Children and adults need to be reminded that a
burn accident may only take a moment, but it can affect the lives
of its victims and their families for a lifetime.” adds
Ms. Jones
To extinguish a flame, Ms. Jones recommends that it be smothered
using the stop, drop and roll technique. Should a burns
injury be sustained, it is best to cool it with water but avoid
ice or extremely cold water. Ms. Jones cautions that one of the
biggest concerns with a burn injury is infection.
“Treating a significant burn on your own can lead to serious
complications. Burns should be examined and treated by
a physician, especially when it affects those that are very young
or very advanced in age,” she explains.
As part of its ongoing commitment to educating the public, the
Burn Center at Saint Barnabas offers the following safety tips
to keep New Jersey residents safe this summer:
Barbecue Tips
- Adults should start the grill or campfire and be responsible
for all cooking. Children should never be allowed to
play nearby.
- Store highly flammable propane gas for the grill in a cool,
well-ventilated area.
- Use long oven mitts and long-handled utensils to keep hands
at a safe distance from the heat and fire.
- Do not empty the grill until coals are cold. Keep
a bucket of water nearby.
- Do not use tablecloths. Children can pull on them
and be scalded by hot beverages on the table.
Family Camping Tips
- Place campfires in a cleared area away from the tent.
- Do not wear loose-fitting clothes when starting a fire.
- Never leave a campfire unattended. Always keep water
and remember to extinguish every spark. Douse thoroughly,
stir ashes and douse again.
Sunburn Prevention Tips
- Keep out of direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and
4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest.
- Sunscreen should not be used on babies under six months of
age. Instead keep them out of direct sun and dress them in
pants and long-sleeved shirts made of a closely-woven material.
- Sun exposure in young children should be extremely curtailed
as their skin is not fully developed and highly susceptible
to burning. When outdoors, children older than six
months should have sunscreen applied liberally and frequently
and be shaded from the harmful sun rays.
- Apply sun block to the skin and re-apply every few hours,
especially after swimming. Follow labeling instructions.
- Sun rays will penetrate clothing, so remember to apply sun
block under your clothing.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes from the sun
and to prevent a sunburned scalp. Sunglasses are also
recommended.
- Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water, to prevent dehydration
and heat exhaustion.
- Cover car seats with a cloth or towel to prevent burns from
overheated materials.
Lightning Storm Safety
- Follow the National Lightning Safety Institute slogan; “If
you can see it, flee it. If you can hear it, clear
it.”
- Seek shelter immediately. Choose an enclosed space and
stay inside. Avoid using electrical appliances or cell phones.
- If you are trapped outside, crouch low with your feet together,
your head tucked and your ears covered.
- Do not huddle closely together. Space yourself at least
15 feet from one another if in a group avoiding tall objects
or trees.
- Discard all metal objects such as golf clubs, baseball
bats or fishing poles. If possible place an insulating object
below your feet. A sleeping bag, jacket, coiled rope are
good examples.
The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center is New
Jersey’s only certified burn treatment facility.
With 12 intensive care beds and an 18-bed Step-down unit for
less critically injured patients, The Burn Center is one of
the largest in the U. S. and Canada and cares for more than
400 patients annually. To arrange for educational programs,
please contact The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Outreach/Education Office at 973-322-8071.
Date: April 15, 2009
Saint Barnabas Contact: Samantha Anton,
973-322-5425
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