Pre 2002 Press Releases

The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Encourages Students to
“Play it Safe” This Summer

LIVINGSTON, N.J. --With the end of the school year just around the corner, children throughout New Jersey will soon be spending their days playing video games, watching television, attending camp or swimming in the neighborhood pool.

But, according to Chris Ruhren, R.N., administrative director of The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas, New Jersey’s only state certified burn treatment facility, “Kids get bored. Accidents happen; and every summer, we see children who are either admitted to The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas or treated in our Outpatient Department who have suffered burn injuries as a result of careless or mischievous behavior.”

Each year, nearly half of The Burn Center’s 350 patients are under age 18; 25 percent of those are under age two. The most common burn injuries affecting children are caused by hot liquids, but The Burn Center also sees its share of children burned as a result of playing with matches, gasoline, propane and fire crackers.

“Kids think they are invincible. They know no fear,” Mrs. Ruhren said. “In the past, we’ve had patients who didn’t realize how much damage firecrackers could do; and as a result, they suffered severe burns which required hospitalization. Young people need to be reminded that a burn accident may only take a moment, but it can affect the lives of its victims and their families for a lifetime.”

“A burn is the most devastating, most terrifying injury anyone can suffer,” added Kathe M. Conlon, R.N., an educator with the Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation. “As part of our ongoing commitment to educating the public, we would like to remind everyone that protection and prevention are the best ways to ‘treat’ a burn.”

While it is vitally important for parents to stress to their children the importance of burn safety and prevention, The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas would like to offer the following safety tips to keep all family members safe this summer:

Barbecue Tips

• Adults should start the grill or campfire and be responsible for all cooking. Children should never be allowed to play nearby.
  
  
• Store highly flammable propane gas for the grill in a cool, well-ventilated area.
  
  
• Use long oven mitts and long-handled utensils to keep hands at a safe distance from the heat and fire.
  
  
• Do not empty the grill until coals are cold. Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby.
  
  
• Do not use tablecloths. Children can pull on them and be scalded by hot beverages on the table. 

Family Camping Tips

• lace campfires in a cleared area away from the tent.
  
  
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothes when starting a fire.
  
  
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Always keep water or sand nearby and remember to extinguish every spark. Douse thoroughly, stir ashes and douse again. 

Sunburn Prevention Tips

• Keep out of direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is the strongest.
  
  
• Apply sun block to the skin and re-apply every few hours, especially after swimming. Follow labeling instructions.
  
  
• Sun rays will penetrate clothing, so remember to apply sun block under your clothing.
  
  
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes from the sun and to prevent a sunburned scalp. Sunglasses are also recommended.
  
  
• Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water, to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.
  
  
• Cover car seats with a cloth or towel to prevent burns from overheated materials. 

For more information about burn prevention and fire safety, please call the Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation at (973) 322-4344.

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