Affinity Water is proud to support the British Burn Association and Children’s Burns Trust to focus on preventing burns and highlighting the importance of immediate first aid. This messaging aims to educate communities about simple steps they can take to minimise burn risks and provide effective first aid treatment.
Preventing Burns in Common Areas
Burn injuries can happen in a variety of ways, but two common settings are the kitchen and the bathroom. Simple measures can dramatically reduce the risk:
In the Kitchen
Keep hot drinks, pans, and kettles out of children’s reach and use back burners whenever possible. Young children are particularly vulnerable to burns from pulling down hot pans or drinks.
In the Bathroom
Always test bathwater before placing a child or elderly person in the bath. Scalds from hot water can happen in seconds, especially for elderly people whose thinner skin is more susceptible to burns.
Statistics and Simple Safety Measures
Every day, 30 babies and toddlers are hospitalised due to hot drink burns, and 60% of child burn cases in A&E are caused by hot drink scalds. Prevent these burns with simple steps:
- Keep hot drinks out of children's reach – place them at the back of counters and avoid tablecloths that can be pulled down.
- Never carry a hot drink while holding a baby.
- Avoid passing hot drinks over children and drinking near them.
Hot water bottles also pose a risk if not used safely. Rubber deteriorates, so check for wear regularly:
- Replace bottles older than two years and avoid filling with boiling water.
- Always check for a flower symbol to see when it was made.
Accidents in the Kitchen
In 2023, 642 children were admitted to burn services due to electric hob accidents, and 446 from kettle spills. Prevent accidents by:
- Keeping children out of the kitchen when cooking.
- Using back burners and turning handles inward.
- Keeping kettles and cords out of reach.
Preventing Bathroom Scalds
Hot water from baths or showers can cause severe burns in seconds, especially at 70°C. Prevent scalds by:
- Running cold water before hot and testing the temperature with the back of your hand.
- Never leaving a child unattended in the bath, even for a moment.
The Importance of Proper First Aid
Many people are unaware of the critical role that proper first aid plays in treating burns. Alarmingly, only one-third of burn patients receive appropriate first aid before reaching A&E. Immediate action is essential in minimising tissue damage—delays in cooling the burn can result in deeper tissue damage, leading to the need for surgery.
The cornerstone of burn first aid is simple: hold the burn under lukewarm running water for 20 minutes. This step can significantly reduce long-term damage and promote healing. However, many people are unaware of this life-saving advice or use ineffective methods, such as ice, which can worsen the injury.
Expert Perspective
Krissie Stiles, Nurse and Ambassador at Children’s Burns Trust said:
"We’re delighted to have the support of Affinity Water on National Burn Awareness Day to highlight the crucial role water plays in burn first aid. Quick action can make a significant difference in recovery. By raising awareness of how something as simple as lukewarm running water can reduce burn severity, we hope to empower more people to act confidently in an emergency."
"Burns are devastating injuries that can have long-term consequences for survivors and their families. Affinity Water's support for National Burn Awareness Day highlights the critical role water plays—not just as a resource, but as a life-saving tool in burn treatment."
Key First Aid Tips for Burns
- Cool the burn under lukewarm running water for 20 minutes. Running water is more effective than still water (e.g., a bucket or bowl).
- Avoid ice. Ice can cause further damage to the skin and slow the healing process.
- If running water isn’t available, use a spray bottle or sponge to mist the burn with water.
- A gentle flow is sufficient; you don’t need to run the tap fully.
- Lukewarm water (up to 25°C) is ideal. In the winter, cold tap water may be too cold, so mix warm and cold water.
- The optimal temperature of water for burn cooling should be at (or above) 15°C, as advocated by the British Burn Association's Clinical Practice Guidelines for burns first aid.
- Don’t immerse children in large volumes of water, such as a bath; instead, focus on cooling the specific area of the burn.
- Cooling a burn is best done immediately but is still effective up to 3 hours after injury.
Rebecca Froud, Director of Customer Experience said:
"We are delighted to collaborate with the British Burn Association and Children’s Burns Trust in a joint effort to raise awareness about burn prevention and the importance of quick, effective first aid. Together, our aim is to provide simple, lifesaving steps to reduce the risk of burns and increase awareness for how to respond in emergencies."
At Affinity Water, we are deeply committed to promoting community safety and well-being, and we're proud to be the first water company actively involved in burn prevention education. Water plays a crucial role in immediate first aid for burns, and by raising awareness and sharing lifesaving knowledge, we aim to provide support and empower individuals to act swiftly in emergencies. Through this initiative, we’re not only highlighting the importance of water as a vital resource but also showing how simple actions can make a life-changing difference in preventing severe burn injuries.