With a chilly start to spring many families are breaking out their fire pits or starting bonfires to recover from cabin fever and start enjoying being outside. Though fire pits and campfires are a great way to connect with friends and family they also can be dangerous to adults and kids.
"Campfires and fire pits are great places to relax, but someone should always be paying attention to the fire. Fires can be unpredictable and burn injuries can happen quickly," said Anthony Baldea, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Burns at Loyola University Health System.
Baldea says that caution should start from the moment a person begins to build a fire and especially when igniting it. This includes clearing away all flammable ground material such as leaves. It's also important to ensure the fire is in a wide open area away from enclosed spaces and trees. Also, the person starting the fire should wear protective gear including non-flammable clothing, gloves and possibly a shield for the face.
"People often use gas or lighter fluid to get the fire going and that is extremely dangerous because these are unpredictable. Make sure you use an appropriate method to start the fire. Also, patience is important. If the flame doesn't ignite right away wait a few minutes. If re-igniting use caution and get everyone who is not in protective gear as far away as possible," Baldea said.
Trips and falls are another common cause of burn injury, especially in children. To keep children and others safe Baldea suggests creating a safety circle of l0 feet or more around the fire that should not be crossed. If possible, put a gate or other barrier around the fire to help limit injuries if someone should trip.
"Kids get excited about being outside and playing. Parents need to be vigilant and keep an eye on their kids. They should make sure children are not playing near the fire and help them when making campfire snacks like s'mores," Baldea said. "Alcohol and fire don't mix. Keep alcohol away from the flame and it's safest not to drink at all when near an open flame as it can cloud judgment."
Though roasting marshmallows is often a campfire highlight they can cause serious injury. Baldea says the object used to cook the marshmallow should be long enough that you don't feel the heat of the flame while roasting it.
"Often, marshmallows catch fire and our instinct is to blow it out. Don't use your own breath to put out the fire this can lead to burns on the face and hands. Instead, drop it to the ground and stamp it out. It's best to sacrifice the marshmallows for your skin," Baldea said.
If a burn injury does occur, remember stop, drop and roll and call 911. Do the following until help arrives:
1.Stop the fire
2.Prevent injury from getting worse by removing the inciting source and any clothing that may be on fire
3.Put a dry dressing on the wound to stop heat loss. This will also assist in pain control.
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