Nursery World - On Guard - burns and scolds

Every year around 35,000 children aged under five go to hospital after a burn or scald at home or in the garden. Most of these injuries are relatively minor, although they cause pain and distress to the child, and may leave scars. In some cases, however, the burns and scalds can be severe and result in surgery and a long stay in hospital, or even death. In 1998, 29 children under five died from burns.

Fortunately, deaths from burns are decreasing, partly because of the increased use of smoke detectors, a decrease in making open fires in the home, and manufacturing regulations to make sure children's night-clothes are not flammable. However, there is a strong link between house fires, burns and scalds accidents, and poverty. Children in social class V are 15 times more likely to die in house fires than children in social class I, and are five times more likely to die as a result of all accidents. Most at risk of burns and scalds are young children in poor, overcrowded housing conditions and unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation.

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