Every October, the Children’s Burns Trust and British Burn Association raise awareness for National Burn Awareness Day, which is on 16th October 2024. This year, Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is working with fire services in East Sussex, West Sussex, and Surrey to promote this important awareness day.
In preparation for this year’s campaign, and with thanks to our Engineering Team at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, burns first aid awareness stickers have been added to our fire engines at both Preston Circus and Bexhill. On 4th October, Alison Tweddle, Trustee at Children's Burns Trust, and Kristina Stiles, a nurse and Ambassador of Children’s Burns Trust, met with Chief Fire Officer Dawn Whittaker and the crew at Bexhill to discuss the importance of the day.
As part of the initiative, we have also been highlighting the importance of burns awareness to staff and the vital role a quick response can play in treating burns, whether with loved ones at home or operationally as the first responders carrying out initial casualty care.
Vital Safety information:
Here are just some of the things you can do to keep yourselves and loved ones safe this National Burn Awareness Day:
- Hot drinks: Keep out of children's reach, as they are a common cause of burns.
- Kitchen safety: Turn saucepan handles in and keep kettle cords out of reach.
- Hair straighteners: These remain hot even after being unplugged, so store them safely.
- Bath safety: Always run cold water first, test the temperature and supervise children.
You can find out more at Get informed - Children's Burns Trust (cbtrust.org.uk) including the Cool, Call, Cover method and Stop, Drop and Roll should the worst happen. Remember, these key actions can help significantly to reduce the severity of burns.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
Social media
Please keep an eye on social media channels on the day to help spread the word and raise awareness about the causes and prevention of burn and scald injuries in the UK, aiming to reduce their occurrence and remember to follow the hashtag #BeBurnsAware.
Family Oops and Burns First Aid Book
Our Chief Fire Officer will also be sharing a reading of the story of The Family Oops who learn all about the main causes of burns and scalds and what the right burns first aid is. Written by Kristina Stiles, Illustrated by Jill Latter.
If you would like your very own copy of the book, please contact us at communications@esfrs.org*
Home Safety visits
Even little things can make your home much safer for you and your family. You can ask for a home safety visit or learn about simple steps you can take yourself.
Find out more at: Home Safety Visits | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org) or call 0800 177 7069.
You may also be interested in our Child Home Safety Advice and Equipment Service at: Child Home Safety Advice and Equipment Service | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)
*(please note copies of the book are limited and will be provided on a first come first served basis. One copy per person).
