For Immediate Release: February 10, 2010

Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont Contact: Matthew Vinci – President, Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont   802-652-0085

Fletcher Allen Contact:   Mike Noble, Fletcher Allen Health Care    802-847-2886

                                       Scalds – Hot Water Burns Like Fire

In partnership with the Burn Unit at Fletcher Allen Health Care, the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont during Burn Awareness Week, February 7 – 13, 2010 would like to bring the attention to this very important and preventable burn injury - scalds.

Scald injuries are painful and require prolonged treatment. They may result in lifelong scarring and even death. Prevention of scalds is always preferable to treatment and can be accomplished through simple changes in behavior and in the home environment.


Tap water scalds are often more severe than cooking-related scalds. The American Burn Association recommends the following simple safety tips to decrease the risk to yourself and those you love from tap water scalds.

”Scald injuries are very common, and can result in injuries which may lead to a lifetime deformity, impairment or death. These simple tips can help to prevent a devastating injury” comments Dr. Bruce Crookes, the chief of the Division of Trauma, Burns and Surgical Critical Care at Fletcher Allen Health Care.

•        Set home water heater thermostats to deliver water at a temperature no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit / 48 degree Celsius. An easy method to test this is to allow hot water to run for three to five minutes, and then test with a candy, meat or water thermometer. Adjust the water heater and wait a day to let the temperature drop. Re-test and re-adjust as necessary.

•        Provide constant adult supervision of young children or anyone who may experience difficulty removing themselves from hot water on their own. Gather all necessary supplies before placing a child in the tub, and keep them within easy reach.

•        Fill tub to desired level before getting in. Run cold water first, and then add hot. Turn off the hot water first. This can prevent scalding in case someone should fall in while the tub is filling. Mix the water thoroughly and check the temperature by moving your elbow, wrist or hand with spread fingers through the water before allowing someone to get in.

•        Install grab bars, shower seats or non-slip flooring in tubs or showers if the person is unsteady or weak.

•        Avoid flushing toilets, running water or using the dish - or clothes washer while anyone is showering.

•        Install anti-scald or tempering devices. These heat sensitive instruments stop or interrupt the flow of water when the temperature reaches a pre-determined level and prevent hot water that is too hot from coming out of the tap.

•        Cooking-related scalds are also easy to prevent. Some things you can do to make your home safer from cooking-related burns include:

•        Establish a “kid zone” out of the traffic path between the stove and sink where children can safely play and still be supervised. Keep young children in high chairs or play yards, a safe distance from counter- or stovetops, hot liquids, hot surfaces or other cooking hazards.

•        Cook on back burners when young children are present. Keep all pot handles turned back, away from the stove edge. All appliance cords should be coiled and away from the counter edge. During mealtime, place hot items in the center of the table, at least 10 inches from the table edge. Use non-slip placemats instead of tablecloths if toddlers are present. Never drink or carry hot liquids while carrying or holding a child. Quick motions may cause spilling of the liquid onto the child.


About Trauma Care at Fletcher Allen Health Care
Fletcher Allen Health Care physicians and nurses provide care for burn victims from all over Northern New York and Vermont through our Level I Trauma Center. Our multidisciplinary approach allows for successful outcomes, and we have experts in all facets of burn care including surgery, non-surgical management, physical and occupational therapy. Fletcher Allen has been fortunate to have a collaborative relationship with the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont.  This relationship culminated in the creation of a Fletcher Allen burn patient fund, which was established from funds raised by Fire Fighters, EMT’s and Paramedics from across Vermont after their own charitable event.  We look forward to working closely with them on future endeavors.


About the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont
The Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont (PFFV) is a State-Wide Association that represents paid professional Fire Fighters, EMT’s and Paramedics across Vermont.  The Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont recently partnered with the Trauma/Burn Staff at Fletcher Allen to raise $3000.00 to support the needs of burn patients that are treated at Fletcher Allen Health Care.  The PFFV is affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters which represents over 300,000 Fire Fighters., EMT’s and Paramedics in the United States and Canada. Members of the PFFV are committed to supporting burn prevention and work closely with the IAFF Burn Foundation to bring their resources and education to Vermont to prevent burns.