Experts frustrated by preventable and life-changing burns injuries

Experts warn to Victorians to take care around recreational fires this long weekend after spike in injuries over Christmas

A staggering 47 per cent increase in burns admissions to The Alfred in December compared to the same time last year has led to an urgent call for commonsense around outdoor fires this long weekend.

On average more than one Victorian a day was admitted to the Victorian Adult Burns Service (VABS) at The Alfred with a serious injury last month.

January is also on track to record an increase on January 2023.

The spike in life-changing burns injuries from recreational outdoor activities across the state is frustrating health and fire experts because most are “entirely preventable”.

Experts from VABS and the CFA will join forces today to issue an urgent call for Victorians to be more cautious of outdoor activities involving fires.

Dane Holden is a burns surgeon at the VABS who says the frustration is that the patients, mainly young men aged between 20 and 39 years, are risking lifelong consequences for a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Most accidents, he said, were the result of people using accelerants such as petrol on open fires to “get things moving quicker”.

“It is difficult to know why these injuries keep happening, or why there was a spike in December,” Dr Holden said.

Experts are urging caution around outdoor fires such as fire pits. Image: Supplied.

“Maybe they don’t hear the message, but we are urging people to avoid risky behaviour this long weekend. That includes not putting accelerants onto fires and always exercising caution when around an open fire.

“Make sure there are no obstacles around fire pits and don’t stand too close to them and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.”

Dr Holden said about half of the burns patients were under the influence of alcohol when admitted.

“We are seeing an increase in numbers (of burns patients), it is relatively stagnant how much is attributable to being under the influence, but the numbers are steadily increasing,” he said.

“We have had a decent influx over the Christmas, New Year period.”

Dr Holden said these were mostly the result of people using accelerants such as petrol, kerosene, and methylated spirits on fires and these were typically around times of celebration in good weather.

The Alfred’s Dr Dane Holden said people should make sure there are no obstacles around campfires. Image: Supplied

“Whether it be a barbecue, campfire or bon fire, people try to get things moving a bit quicker and use an accelerant which is something we absolutely advise against doing,” he said.

More than 230 people have been admitted to the VABS with serious petrol-related burns injuries in the last three years.

Of these, 92 had consumed alcohol or illicit substances prior and nearly half (47 per cent) suffered deep burns that required surgery and skin grafts.

“The types of injuries we have seen recently cause scars that can last a lifetime, and require weeks and months of hospital care. Many of those injuries were entirely preventable,’ Dr Holden said.

“If you’re thinking about using accelerant on a fire – just don’t do it.

The Victorian Adult Burns Service (VABS) at The Alfred has seen a spike in patients with burns injuries in December.

“Think about the risks involved in whatever you are doing and realise that the consequences of the dangerous or risky activity can be life-altering and can have lifelong consequences.”

CFA second lieutenant at Diamond Creek Fiona Macken warned campfires can remain hot well after the flames have burnt down.

“So avoid walking on them and always extinguish them completely with water before leaving,” she said.

“Always do a safety check before igniting a barbecue and if you’re burnt it is critical to apply cool running water immediately.”

For more information visit cfa.vic.gov.au.

At a glance:

• 236 burns admissions from petrol related injuries in the last three years

• Almost half had consumed alcohol or illicit substances

• Many injuries are life-changing requiring surgery and skin grafts

• The most common age of burns patients is 20 to 39 years