1	Scald Injury Prevention
2	Scald Prevention
3	Fire and Burn Death and Injury Deaths 4,000 deaths a year from fire and burns Injuries 25,000 hospitalized in burn centers 600,000 burn injuries treated in hospital EDs (Close to half of all burn injuries treated in hospital emergency departments and one-third of admissions to burn centers are scald injuries)
4	What is a Scald Injury? A scald injury occurs… When contact with hot liquid or steam damages one or more layers of skin
5	Scald Prevention Topics What are the main sources of scald injury? Who are the most frequent victims? How can scald injury be prevented? What are the appropriate first-aid responses?
6	Frequent Scald Burn Sources Hot tap water Hot beverages Hot food Steam
7	Most Frequent Scald Injury Victims Young children Older adults People with disabilities
8	Young Children and Scald Injury 60% of all scald injuries are to young children
9	Young Children and Scald Injury Curiosity, imitation Limited understanding of danger Limited ability to react quickly to hot contact Thin skin = deeper burn
10	Older Adults and Scald Injury Thin skin Reduced mobility, agility Reduced ability to feel heat, due to health conditions or medication
11	People with Special Needs and Scald Injury Sensory impairment Mobility or other physical impairment Diminished mental capacity
12	Common Sites of Scald Injury Kitchen or dining area -Spills while handling or moving hot foods and liquids, often involving children Bathing area -Inability to remove self from hot water
13	Scald Injury Severity Factors Length of contact with hot substance Temperature of substance Nature of substance Is it thick or sticky? Does it retain heat? Extent of body area scalded Location of scald
14	Protecting Children From Scalds Household changes Everyday precautions Child supervision
15	Protecting Children from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas Household modifications Mark and explain a “kid-free zone” Put away tablecloths Use spill-resistant “travel mugs”
16	Protecting Children from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas Everyday preparations Keep friends, relatives, and sitters informed Turn pan handles away from stove front Observe safe microwave oven practices Protect electric cooking appliances and cords
17	Protecting Children from Scalds: Kitchen and Dining Areas Scald-safe child supervision Supervise young children at all times Encourage use of “kid-safe” zone Never hold a child in your arm: While preparing or serving hot food While drinking a hot beverage Keep hot food and liquids high and out of the reach of young children
18	Protecting Children and Adults from Scalds: Bathing Areas Household Modifications Establish safe hot water temperature If this is not possible, install tempering valve or safe faucet and shower heads Install non-slip bath, shower mats Install grab bar in shower stall
19	Setting a Safe Hot Water Temperature Time and temperature relationship required to scald a healthy adult
20	Tap Water Scald
21	Maximum Water Temperature Standards Recommended maximum residential standard 120°F (48°C) (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) Nursing homes and child care facilities 110°F (43°C) (Recommended and by some state or local regulations)
22	Measuring Hot Water Temperature Run hot water up to two minutes at tap Test temperature with cooking thermometer
23	Establishing a Safe Hot Water Temperature If initial test temperature is above 120° F (48° C), lower heater thermostat setting Initial test temperature below 120°F/48°C may not prove safety is constant Retest several times until safe temperature setting is assured
24	Bathroom Scald Prevention - Equipment Direct (scald prevention) Tempering valve on water line Anti-scald valves on shower heads and faucets
25	Bathroom Scald Prevention - Equipment Indirect (fall prevention) Grab bars Non-slip mats in tub/shower, on floor Shower/bath seat
26	Bathroom Scald Prevention - Precautions For single control faucet, always turn on and off in the “cold” position For dual control faucet, always turn “cold” faucet on first, and off last Make sure all household members and caregivers understand these controls
27	Bathroom Scald Prevention - Behaviors Check water temperature before placing child in tub or shower Instruct carefully any older siblings who help bathe young children Young children should never be left alone in the tub
28	Emergency Care of Scald Injury Remove scald victim from source Remove all affected clothing, diapers, shoes, etc. Cool scalded area briefly with cool water Cover with clean, dry covering Do not apply creams, salves or ointments Call 9-1-1
29	Scald Prevention – Some Important Points Limited mobility and thin skin increase risk and severity for the young and old Keep young children away when cooking, or when drinking hot beverages Test hot water temperature and establish thermostat setting at or below 120°F/48°C