A burn injury is for life. The scars are physical as well as psychological and can present life‐long challenges.  Many are as a result of an accident that could so easily have been prevented.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is committed to helping raise awareness of this year’s National Burn Awareness Day, taking place on 19th October 2016.

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“We fully support Burn Awareness Day’s goal of preventing injuries, particularly to children and the elderly.

“Burns don’t only cause physical wounds, they cause emotional scars too: to both those who suffer the burns and to those who feel they may have been in some way responsible.

“It’s essential that adults are aware of the potential hazards in their homes – whether these are hot kettles and saucepans within reach of small hands; unguarded fires and heaters; or high‐temperature bath water – and take steps to reduce the risks to family members.

“Families across the country are also gearing up for Halloween and Bonfire celebrations – my advice  this Halloween would be to ensure that you buy costumes  which comply with safety regulations and avoid the use of naked flames. Also, cut the risk of injuries at bonfire and firework events by attending an organised display and not purchasing sparklers.

“If, despite your precautions, the worst does happen, make sure you know what to do. Remember: COOL the burn with running tap water, CALL for help, and COVER with cling film; and if your clothes are on fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL.”

Here are some alarming facts and figures of the burns and scalds that are happening every day:

• Hot drinks are the most common cause of scald injury in children – followed by contact with electric cookers, hair straighteners, irons and central heating radiators.

• 288 children a month require admission to an NHS Burns Service following injury with hot liquids (this figure only relates to the more serious scalds ‐ it does not include the thousands seen by A&E departments)

• Sunburn is a notable cause of injury in the 5 – 14 year age group.

• In the over 65s the pattern of injury is similar to that for children – but with a greater number of central heating radiator contact injuries and too hot bathing immersions.

• The average cost to the NHS for a major burn is £168,155 – but what is the cost to the individual and their family?

• 5,195 children under the age of 5 were so badly burnt that they had to be admitted to a NHS specialist burns service in 2014 – more than 14 toddlers every single day.

• Hair straighteners reach over 220°c and take up to 40 minutes to cool down – more than 250 children a year are treated for severe burns from them.

• A significant number of adult injuries resulted from hot fat, barbecues, garden fires and bonfires.

• The majority of injuries, especially to children and the elderly, occur between 3 and 6pm.

• The most common place of injury is the home for children (77%) and the elderly (81%). For adults it’s the workplace.

• There is a clearly defined relationship between high rates of burn injuries and areas of social deprivation.