Austin Surgeons Outline Burn Prevention Tips Ahead Of July 4

AUSTIN, TX — Last year, the Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas at Austin treated 77 severe trauma patients the week of July 4 — six of them suffering from serious burns. To stem the tide of injuries, a surgeon has outlined a burn prevention guide that residents should follow as Independence Day approaches.

Dr. Jason Aydelotte, a surgeon at Ascension Seton, shares his tips to safely use grills, fireworks hot oil for cooking and more.

Home to the region’s only Level I Trauma Center for adults, Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas trauma surgeons remind the public of the very real dangers and injuries that can occur from 4th of July activities. To that end, hospital officials recently staged a demonstration for members of the media to demonstrate safety precautions, with props that served as visuals. The demo took place at Ascension Clinical Education Center, 1400 N. Interstate 35.

Following are statistics and safety tips provided by Dr. Aydelotte:

Fireworks

• Fireworks are illegal to possess within the City of Austin.
• 50 percent of burn-related injuries during 4th of July week 2018 were due to burns at DSMC-UT.
• Items like Sparklers are not illegal but can cause serious burns, as they burn to nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prevention strategies

• Do Not Possess Fireworks within the City of Austin, enjoy licensed professional fireworks displays.
• If you do end up using your own fireworks outside of Austin, ensure these things are followed:

1. Never light off fireworks in an enclosed area (like inside).

2. Soak them in water and throw them away.

3. Avoid grabbing a firework once the fuse has been lit, even if you think it is a dud.

4. Always pour water over firework residue when finished, and keep water nearby.

• Never touch the lit end of a sparkler and avoid giving them to children. Soak them in water to ensure they put out and are cool.
• Do not place any lit items below your face.

Cooking and grills

• Grill fires peak in July each year.
• The most common burn related injury at DSMC-UT are burns from grease and oil.
• Gas power grills and gas powered fryers can be dangerous even when they are turned off, ensure that gasoline is properly turned off completely before walking away.
• Grease and water don’t mix, give your oil time cool down.

Prevention strategies

1. Only use a grill outdoors and never use your hands to touch the hot grill.
2. Do not place your face over a hot grill or fryer.
3. Have a set of fire proof or fire resistant gloves available.
4. Get self-contained charcoal if available to light charcoal grills.
5. Keep your grill clean of extra fat or grease that builds up in the grates.
6. Never leave your grill unattended.
7. For gas grills always check the hose and connections, before lighting. If you smell gas get away from the grill and Call 9-1-1.
8. Always wait at least 5 minutes before relighting a grill if the flame goes out.
9. Never try to dose fryer oil in water.
10. Place food into fryer oil from a distance, and ensure there is no liquid on the outside of the food.

Gasoline/Diesel/Kerosene

• Gasoline, Diesel fuel, Lighter Fluid and Kerosene are all very different liquids and should be treated as such. They are not interchangeable.

Prevention strategies

1. Label you different liquids, and clearly differentiate which liquid is which.
2. Only use the liquid for its intended purpose. Mixing or switching liquids can be dangerous.
3. If you are attempting to light a fire or burn bush, ensure that you are away from buildings, and other flammable objects.
4. Do not light fires during high winds.
5. Make sure you pour water over the fire after you are finished, and ensure all embers are removed and no longer glowing.

For all of these items:

1. Never consume alcohol or any illicit substance prior to using anything flammable.