PRESS RELEASE: Hot water burns like fire. Protect your family this National Burns Awareness Month.
Kidsafe Australia, in partnership with the Australian & New Zealand Burn Association (ANZBA), is urging parents and carers to be extra vigilant this winter to prevent burns, and ensure they are aware of the correct first aid steps for burns.
The call comes during National Burns Awareness Month, an Australia-wide campaign run by Kidsafe Australia focused on raising awareness of prevention and correct first aid treatment for burns and scalds across all age groups.
Data from the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (BRANZ) shows that in 2019/2020, 924 children aged under 15 were admitted to burns units across Australia and New Zealand – approximately 18 per week.
The primary cause of injury in paediatric patients was scalds (52%), in particular scalds from hot drinks such as tea and coffee. 76% of total burns occur in the home or usual residence.
The statistics also reveal that 23% of children and 42.2% of adults (≥16 years) did not receive the recommended ‘gold standard’ initial first aid treatment for their burn injury, underlining the importance of continued education on burns first aid.
Scott Phillips, Kidsafe WA CEO, stressed the importance of administering correct first aid in the event of a burn.
“If a burn happens, then its critical that cool running water is applied to the burn area for 20 minutes. Administering correct first aid measures can make a significant difference in the rehabilitation and long-term outcome of the burn injury”, said Mr Phillips.
Prevention and treatment of burns and scalds
• Prevent – take action to prevent burns and scalds. Learn more at: https://kidsafe.com.au/national-burns-awareness-month/
• Remove – remove yourself from danger. Remove any clothing and jewellery from the burn area unless stuck to the skin
• Cool – Place the burn under cool running water for twenty minutes. Items like ice, oil or butter should never be placed on a burn.
• Cover the burn with a clean dressing
• Seek medical attention if the burn or scald is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or buttocks, is larger than a 20-cent coin or blistered.
For more information about National Burns Awareness Month and burns prevention and first aid resources, please visit:
• Kidsafe Australia (https://kidsafe.com.au/national-burns-awareness-month/
• ANZBA – The peak body for health professionals responsible for the care of the burn injured in Australia and New Zealand. (https://anzba.org.au/)
• Twitter – @BurnsAwareMonth
• Facebook – @kidsafeaustralia
About National Burns Awareness Month
National Burns Awareness Month is an initiative run by Kidsafe Australia. It is held at the beginning of winter in June each year as there is a significantly increased risk of burns during winter months. A series of national educational and awareness initiatives will be run throughout the month to raise awareness regarding the prevention and correct first aid treatment of minor burns through social media.
Media Enquiries
Amelia Jarrett, Kidsafe SA – 0412 383836
Gretchen Waddell, Kidsafe Victoria – 0433 385 269
Scott Phillips, Kidsafe WA – 0400 828 011
Susan Teerds, Kidsafe QLD – 0459 128 281
Jenny Branch-Allen, Kidsafe TAS – 0417 381 721
Christine Erskine, Kidsafe NSW – 0427 714 749
Jes Chalmers, Kidsafe ACT – 0411 433 965
