What are the statistics about burn injuries?

According to the United States Fire Administration, the following occurred in 2008:

• Fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined, with an estimated 1.5 million fires that year.
• That year, there were 3,320 civilians killed, 118 on-duty firefighter deaths and 16,705 civilian injuries all due to fire.
• 84 percent of all civilian fire deaths happened in homes, apartments, or other living areas.
• Approximately 32,500 fires were intentionally set; these caused about $866 million in property damage.

How to treat a burn injury?

Burns were once classified as first-degree, second-degree and third-degree; they are now measured as superficial, partial-thickness and full-thickness burns. A superficial (first-degree) burn may look red and painful, without blisters. A partial-thickness (second degree) burn features blisters (though blisters may sometimes take a day to appear) and wetness and severe pain. A full-thickness (third degree) burn either lacks pain or only feels dully painful (often nerve endings have been damaged with this kind of burn) and the skin may look charred black, gray or white.

For superficial and small partial-thickness burns, cool the area by running cool (not cold or ice) water on it or use cold compresses. Cover the area with sterile gauze, and use over the counter painkillers as needed.

For larger partial-thickness or full-thickness burns, seek medical help right away. In the meantime, do not immerse the area in cold water, remove burned clothing (though ensure the person is not near anything burning, smoldering, smoking or hot), and check that the person is breathing, coughing or moving. If not, begin CPR. Cover the burned area with cool moist towels or cool sterile bandages and elevate the burned area above the heart if possible.

How do I identify high-risk situations?

Children of all ages are more likely to be injured and/or die in a fire because their skin is not as thick as adult skin. This can cause more serious burns at lower temperatures.

For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers under age 5, the most common injuries include scalding (from unattended or abusive bathtub use or injuries from hot liquids spilling) and flame contact (from playing with matches, lighters, barbecue pits, trash and fireplace fires.) Boys aged 5 to 10 are most likely to be injured while playing with fire while girls of the same age are most likely to be scalded in the kitchen or bathroom. Teenage boys are most often injured by fire when they are in groups and using gasoline or similarly flammable items, or when daring each other to do things such as climb telephone poles or antennas, which result in electrical burns.

It’s crucial to be vigilant about the following situations:

• Ensuring that smoke alarms are installed and maintained in the home, and having an escape plan if fire or smoke develops.
• Watching young children, particularly in the bathroom or kitchen, as hot liquids or foods, matches and other flammable products, are handled.
• Keeping electrical outlets covered and cords tied safely when kids are playing nearby.
• Adjusting the water heater temperature in your home (used for bathing, dishwashing and drinking) to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
• Turning off space heaters, electric blankets, and other heating devices while people are sleeping at home.
• Keeping children away from fireworks, kerosene lamps, space heaters or outside grills.

How do I get the best legal and medical care for my Massachusetts burn case? If you or a loved one have suffered from burn injuries, we can help. Call Altman & Altman at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll-free) or contact us online for a free consultation.