Doctors warn Easter holidays responsible for spike in burns injuries in children

A popular school holiday activity is landing dozens of children in the hospital each year, with Easter seeing a spike in cases, as authorities issue a warning to parents.

Toasting marshmallows is among the possible causes of burns injuries around campfires. Picture: iStock

A popular school holiday activity is landing dozens of children in the hospital each year,

Pediatric burns specialists are urging families to be vigilant around campfires these Easter

holidays, as campfires continue to be a leading cause of serious burns treated at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Last year 70 children were treated at the QCH for campfire-related injuries including falling into the fire or onto surrounding hot rocks, walking over coals, and burns from hot

marshmallows.

Doctors are reminding parents and carers to keep an eye on kids around campfires.

QCH burns surgeon Craig McBride said Easter was traditionally the busiest time of year for campfire burns, urging families to take campfire safety seriously.

“Each year, we expect between 60 to 100 children to present with campfire-related burns, and up to a third of those will typically occur over the Easter long weekend,” Prof McBride said.

“Children most at risk are toddlers up to four years old, with hands and feet being the body parts most frequently injured when they unknowingly walk on or fall into hot coals.

“These burns can have a serious impact on growing hands and feet. If a burn results in scarring, children may require ongoing surgeries throughout their childhood to

maintain function in the injured limbs.

“Never leave children unsupervised around campfires,” he said.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Greater Brisbane Region Assistant Commissioner, Kevin Reading

said everyone, especially those camping with children, should take precautions when lighting a

campfire.

Parents are being warned to supervise children closely these holidays Picture: istock

“The safest place to light a campfire is in a clear area, away from your tent, equipment, and any overhanging branches,” Mr Reading said.

“Always use water to extinguish your campfire, never sand or dirt, as this poses the risk of trapping heat underground.”

Campfires extinguished with sand can retain heat up to 100 degrees Celsius for eight hours after the flames are no longer visible.

The safest option is to always saturate campfires with water. This will cool the coals to a safe

temperature after just 10 minutes and reduce the risk of burns.

If an injury does occur, acting quickly and administering appropriate first aid can help reduce the severity of the burn.

“The recommended first-aid treatment for a burn is to place the injured area under cool running water for 20 minutes and seek medical treatment immediately by phoning triple-0,” Prof McBride said.

“While it is ideal to apply first aid immediately, if running water is not available at the scene, it is still beneficial to apply cold running water up to three hours after the injury.

“Avoid treatments such as ice, ointments or oil which can cause further damage to the skin,” he said.