Burns and Scalds Prevention

National Burns Awareness Month - June 2021

National Burns Awareness Month (NBAM) aims to drive greater awareness amongst the Australian community of burns prevention and the correct first aid treatment for burns. National Burns Awareness Month is an initiative of Kidsafe, Australia’s leading community organisation dedicated to child injury prevention, and held in June each year as there is a significantly increased risk of burns during winter.

 

Hot Drinks Burn Like Fire

Burns and scalds are a major cause of serious injury in children from newborn to 14 years old. Children under four years, especially those aged between one and two years are most at risk due to their increased mobility and natural curiosity.

Kidsafe NSW, with the support of the Julian Burton Burns Trust and Clipsal by Schneider Electric, would like to remind everyone that HOT DRINKS BURN LIKE FIRE. 

Burns and scalds of children aged 0-4 years, are a leading cause of injury resulting in hospitalisation.  Most happen at home and are largely preventable. 

Scalds of young children are often caused when a parent or carer is having a hot drink and a child is nearby or in the arms of an adult.

To keep children safe from scalds:

  • Don’t hold your child when having a hot drink
  • Keep kettles, jugs, mugs and cups out of reach
  • Place burn or scald under cool running water for 20 minutes

Click here for HOT DRINKS BURN LIKE FIRE infographic in community languages.