Parents need to watch toddlers to prevent burns during barbecue season
It’s barbecue season again, and parents need to keep an eye out for their toddlers and young children to prevent burns. “From grills to barbecue pits, parents need to make sure their children avoid any area near an open flame,” said Kim Davies, trauma manager at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. “This is especially important as you begin heating up a grill – it’s not hot enough for food, but it’s hot enough to burn.”
Grills are unstable and curious eyes might want a peek at what’s cooking. Keep an eye out for kids trying to pull themselves up for a better view – the whole grill can topple on them and cause severe bums and injuries. Davies also recommends cleaning grills of grease buildup before using barbecues or grills. “Use lighting fluid sparingly and demonstrate responsible behavior around fires. Demonstrating how quickly and how high a flame can get may entice a child to try the feat on its own,” she said. “When you’re done, make sure the coals are completely out and not smoldering. Put all lighter fluid, matches and coals away from curious hands and make sure they’re kept out of reach when not in use.”
Treating Burns
Treating burns should be left to experts, but there are some things you can do to help alleviate your child’s pain. Dr. Robert Wiebe, director of the emergency center at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, recommends that parents first remove clothing or other covering. “Hot food and liquids on clothing are more common and can continue to burn tissues they cover,” he said.
If the burn is small, Wiebe recommends pouring cool water on the burn for about five minutes. “Cool water should only be used on small burns, and must be used immediately to reduce the depth of the burn,” he said. “Ice, butter or ointments should never be used.”
Wiebe then recommends covering the burn with a dressing that is soft, clean and dry. “Be sure the covering isn’t tight – swelling occurs around more serious burns.”
Finally, seek medical attention immediately. The larger the burn, the more urgent the need. “For less serious burns, contact your family pediatrician,” Wiebe said. “The more serious burns require emergency attention.”
Clean Up After the Barbecue
After a successful barbecue when the guests have gone, it’s tempting to wait until later to clean up the yard, but medical personnel at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas warn against it.
“Depending on the kind of gathering you have, some dangers may linger after the guests leave,” said Kim Davies, trauma manager at Children’s.
“Kids are curious and will taste anything that looks interesting,” she said.
Davies advises parents to pick up any discarded food, bottles and cans. “Children could drink from bottles that are half-full, which could be dangerous if the bottle contains alcohol,” she said. “Food that’s left-over from the night before could cause food poisoning.” Davies also warns against leaving lighters, lighter fluid, matches and coals within reach of children.
“As soon as you’re done with these items, securely confine them to areas that can’t be accessed by kids.”
Fires and burns result when they try to emulate their parents and light a barbecue.”