It’s summertime- the prime time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice barbeque or bonfire with friends and family. However, relaxation can quickly turn into devastation if proper safety precautions are not practiced. This summer, Ascension Seton wants to help prevent burns by reminding the public about gasoline safety precautions, and what to do if an injury occurs.
Last year, Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas saw 55 burn injuries related to gasoline, and June, July, and August are the most common months for these injuries to occur. Males are at higher risk for gasoline burn injuries.
“Since the inception of the burn program at Dell Seton Medical Center, 19 percent of our burn cases occurred specifically with gasoline,” said Dr. Jayson Aydelotte, trauma medical director at Dell Seton Medical Center. “67 percent of our burn patients are male, and of our burn injuries involving gasoline, 83 percent were male.”
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Dr. Aydelotte recommends the following tips to keep safe while using gasoline, grills, fryers and more:
- 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.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- Only use a grill outdoors and never use your hands to touch the hot grill.
- Gas power grills and gas-powered fryers can be dangerous even when they are turned off. Be sure gasoline is properly turned off completely before walking away.
- Gasoline, Diesel fuel, Lighter Fluid and Kerosene are all very different liquids and should be treated and labeled as such. They are not interchangeable.
- Only use the liquid for its intended purpose. Mixing or switching liquids can be hazardous.
- If you are attempting to light a fire or burn bush, ensure that you are away from buildings, and other flammable objects.
- Make sure you pour water over the fire after you are finished, and ensure all embers are removed.
The emergency room is the safest place to receive care for serious gasoline injuries and burns. If you or a loved one experiences a gasoline-related injury or burn, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
