Now that outside temperatures are dropping in many parts of the country and wintertime is here, fire and burns are a significant health concern.
As a major burn center, Loyola University Medical Center sees an increased number of burn patients, especially children, who are hurt in house fires as a result of accidents with kerosene or gas space heaters or other electrical appliances used this time of year. Space heaters alone are associated with 25,000 residential fires each year nationwide. Overall, there are more than 1 million burn injuries in the U.S. each year.
Space heaters should only be used in areas where they are protected from being tipped over and located where a child or family pet cannot brush up against them. An adult should be present at all times during use. Manufacturers’ instructions also should be followed carefully.
As one of the most joyous times of the year quickly approaches, please encourage your readers to use heaters, electrical appliances, candles and other sources of open flame safely to prevent house fires. Holiday decorations such as Christmas trees, candles, electric lights, etc. require special care. If heaters or electrical appliances are malfunctioning or electrical cords are frayed or damaged, they need to be repaired or replaced immediately. We want everyone to stay healthy and safe. Your readers can learn more about fire prevention tips during the winter months by visiting: www.luhs.org/burnprevention
All too often we see children who suffer terribly from burns requiring years of medical care. Some even lose their families in house fires. The physical scars can be bad, however, the emotional scars can be far worse and last a lifetime. Of course, we see parents who are devastated by the loss of a child, often blaming themselves for something that happened in a split second. Please help us keep the holidays happy and safe. Fill the holiday season with wonderful memories.
Best wishes,
Richard L. Gamelli, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Chief, Burn Center
Loyola University Medical Center
Director, Burn and Shock Trauma Institute
Loyola University Health System
Chiarman, Department of Surgery
Professor of Trauma Surgery
Professor of Pediatrics
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Ill.
President, American Burn Association
Note: Loyola University Medical Center is a regional burn center for the Midwest and a Level 1 trauma center.
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