October 9, 1998 

Burn patients often are treated in a bacteria-controlled nursing unit.

Approximately 81 percent of all burn injuries occur in the home. One half of burn victims never touch a flame – their burns are caused by contact with a hot object or liquid, an explosion, an electrical appliance or chemical. Most fatal fires happen at night.

In recognition of Burn Prevention Week, Oct. 3 to 9, the MGH Sumner Redstone Burn Center offers the following tips to treat burn injuries.

1. Stop the burning process by smothering the flames. Use the stop, drop and roll method if necessary.

2. Wash chemicals from the skin with lots of cool water. Never use butter, which is a grease and can contribute to the burning process. Never use ice, which can damage the skin and lower body temperature too fast.

3. Remove clothing, jewelry, shoes, etc. from affected area.

4. Keep burn victims warm by wrapping a blanket around them if possible.

5. Get medical attention immediately. Do not underestimate the severity of a burn injury, the extent of which may not be evident for 24 to 48 hours.

For more information on burn injuries, call the MGH Sumner Redstone Burn Center at 6-3354.