According to the American Burn Association, there are roughly 450,000 patients each year that receive hospital and emergency room treatment for a burn-related injury. Of these injuries, 3,400 deaths occur each year. Back in 2010, a fire-related death occurred every 169 minutes and an injury occurred every 30 minutes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making it the third leading cause of death in the home. These statistics may seem alarming, however, these still do not reflect visits to hospital clinics, private medical offices, nor community health centers. Listed below are the different types of burn injuries along with their classification and the most common leading causes.
Burn injuries are a significant public health concern, as highlighted by statistics from the American Burn Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are some key points to expound on this issue:
Prevalence of Burn Injuries: Approximately 450,000 patients seek medical treatment each year in hospitals and emergency rooms for burn-related injuries in the United States. This indicates the widespread impact of burns on individuals.
Mortality Rates: Despite advancements in medical care, around 3,400 deaths occur annually due to burn injuries. This underscores the severity of burns and the importance of preventive measures and effective treatment.
-Frequency of Fire-Related Incidents: In 2010, there was a fire-related death every 169 minutes and a burn injury every 30 minutes, as reported by the CDC. These alarming figures position burn injuries as the third leading cause of death in the home environment.
-Underestimation of Statistics: It’s essential to note that the reported figures only account for hospital and emergency room visits, excluding visits to clinics, private medical offices, and community health centers. This suggests that the actual incidence of burn injuries may be higher than indicated by these statistics.
By understanding the prevalence, mortality rates, and underestimation of burn injury statistics, it becomes evident that burns pose a significant risk to individuals and highlight the importance of raising awareness, prevention strategies, and access to comprehensive medical care for those affected by such injuries.
Types of Burn Injuries:
- Thermal Burns: Thermal burns occur when the skin is exposed to flames, hot objects, or high temperatures, resulting in redness, blistering, and pain. Treatment includes cooling the burn and seeking medical help for severe cases. Prevention involves using protective gear, handling hot objects carefully, and practicing fire safety.
- Chemical Burns: Common in industrial settings and in household cleaners and swimming pools, these burns are a bit different than others. Many times, chemical burns may appear to be harmless as they do not seem serious right away. However, they can become worse as they continue to react to the exposed tissue.
- Scald Burns: Most commonly seen in children, these types of burns are produced by hot liquids such as water or cooking oil.
- Electrical Burns: Not only is the actual burn painful and serious, electricity can also cause internal injuries that are not immediately visible to healthcare providers. These are very serious burns as they can cause a heart attack, neurological damage, and even ruptured eardrums. Be careful as electrocution burns are far more serious than they tend to appear. Even a small burn can place a person at risk of losing a limb.
Classification of Burn Injuries:
- First Degree Burn: This particular burn is a superficial burn injury. More like a sunburn, a bit pink with the potential to cause dehydration for the victim. The outer skin layer, the epidermis, is the only layer damaged in these burns with the deeper skin structures still intact. Usually, these types of burn heal over the course of a few days. Medical attention is normally not required, however, if most of the body is affected and you’re dehydrated or having problems with pain, then, by all means, please seek out medical attention.
- Second Degree Burn: Also called a partial thickness injury, in addition to the outer skin layer (epidermis), the inner skin layer (dermis) is also damaged. These burns are bright red, moist and painful to the touch. They also blister and appear to look like an open wound. It usually takes about two to three weeks to completely heal.
- Third Degree Burn: Also called a full thickness burn injury. These burns are less painful due to the nerve endings being damaged. The outer skin and full inner skin layer (both the dermis and subcutaneous tissue) are damaged. They appear as an open wound and can appear as dark red, white, brown and leathery or even charred. Please seek immediate medical attention if you have suffered a third-degree burn.
Common Causes of Burns:
Burn injuries can result from various factors, and understanding these common causes is essential for prevention and creating awareness. Here is an in-depth exploration of the common causes of burns:
1. Workplace Accidents:
– Workplace accidents are a significant source of burn injuries. Many professions involve working with high-temperature equipment, machinery that has open flames, or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Industries like manufacturing, construction, and food services pose a higher risk of burn injuries for their employees due to these factors.
2. Car Accidents:
– Burn injuries frequently occur as a consequence of car accidents, particularly if a vehicle catches fire during or after a collision. Individuals involved in these accidents may sustain burns if they become trapped inside the vehicle or are exposed to flames and hot surfaces. Swift action is critical in such situations to prevent severe injuries.
3. Defective Products:
– Defective consumer goods present a notable risk of causing serious burn injuries. Malfunctions in products such as electronics, household appliances, and children’s toys can lead to fires or explosions, resulting in burns for the users. If someone experiences an injury due to a defective product, seeking immediate assistance is vital to address the effects and potentially pursue legal action if needed.
By understanding and acknowledging these common causes of burns, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce risks in their workplaces, on the road, and during product usage. Implementing safety measures, conducting regular hazard assessments, and advocating for product safety standards are crucial actions to prevent burn injuries stemming from workplace accidents, car crashes, or faulty products.
