burn safety tips
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Safety Vanderbilt Burn Center serves as an educational focus for physicians, nurses, other allied health care professionals as well as the community, to provide extensive education in areas of burn prevention, first-aid and fire safety. If you would like to host a lecture about burn safety and prevention at your elementary school or nursing home, please email Michelle Terrell or call (615) 322-6049 for details.	click to see full size

click to see full size click to see full size	First Aid for Burn Injuries Flush the burn area with low pressure running cool water. Don't apply ice. It can be too harsh for burned skin and cause tissue damage. "Folk remedies" such as applying butter do not help the healing process and may increase the risk of infection if the burn is severe. Cool Water (not cold) alone or a very mild soap can be used to gently clean the area. Keep the burned area clean and dry as it heals. The area can be covered with a light bandage, if needed. A small amount of an over the counter ointment can be applied to keep the bandage from sticking to the skin. Seek Medical Treatment in the Vanderbilt Burn Center when ….. A burn covers a large area, especially if blistering occurs. There is extreme pain or loss of sensation. Burns occur to face, eyes, hands or feet. A burn involves chemicals or electricity. There is smoke inhalation due to fire exposure. A burn does not appear to be healing appropriately.
Needs for Hospitalized Children click to see full size

Be Prepared for Fire… 

• Install smoke alarms on each level of your home and outside each sleeping area.
• Test smoke alarms regularly each month by pushing the "test button" (use a broom handle or stick to test alarms that are too high, or ask someone to assist you in doing this).
• If the alarms have batteries, replace the batteries at least twice a year. If an alarm is "chirping," this is an indication that the battery is low and needs changing.
• Clean alarms with a vacuum cleaner, without removing the cover from the alarm.
• Never remove an alarm battery because it sounds off while you're cooking. Get assistance in placing the alarm in a different location.
• If a battery-operated smoke alarm is more than ten years old, replace the unit with a new one.
• Develop a realistic escape plan with two ways out of every room. Practice the plan, keeping in mind your physical abilities.
• Keep all exits clear.
• Keep glasses, medicines, a telephone, a flashlight and walking aids close to your bed.
• Have a visible address on your residence.
• Know your emergency contact phone number (911 or other).

If a FIRE occurs…

• STAY CALM and use your escape plan.
• If the door is hot to the touch, do not open it. Fire and deadly smoke are on the other side of the door. Instead, use your alternate exit.
• When escaping through smoke, crawl low to the ground, if possible, where it is easier to breathe. Smoke rises in a fire and contains deadly gases. Even one breath can render you unconscious.
• If in a multi-story building when fire occurs, use the stairs. Do not use the elevator!
• Once outside the building, call or be sure that someone has called your emergency number (911 or another) from a neighbor's house, a cell phone, or a cordless phone. Listen and give the information needed (name, address, location of fire, etc.) as calmly as possible.
• If in a group residence setting, once outside, "count noses." If someone is missing, tell firefighters the last location of the person, if known.
• If your window is your second way out and you cannot get through it, signal by waving a cloth or light to attract attention, especially if you are not on the ground floor. Keep calm and wait for firefighters. DO NOT JUMP or smash glass. That could be more dangerous than the fire!

What if my clothes catch fire?

If your clothing catches fire
• STOP (do not run) DROP (to the ground) ROLL (around to smother the flames)
• If you cannot Stop, Drop and Roll, SMOTHER the flames with a towel or blanket.
• Remove clothing over burns, if possible and call for medical help immediately.