When Katarina V. placed a freshly boiled pot of tea on the edge of the kitchen table, she did not anticipate that it would lead to a lesson too painful for any family to endure. It only takes a second to change a life forever. Within moments, her daughter would suffer a tragic injury that left her face and arms scarred for life.
Burns and scalds are the third leading cause of injury-related hospital admission for children under 5 years of age in Canada. 1,000 children are admitted to hospital for burns and scalds each year, while thousands more are treated as outpatients. From February 2-9, Burn Awareness Week aims to educate parents and caregivers about burn hazards in the home and how they can be mitigated.
“Caregivers are often accused of lacking common sense, but what caregivers lack is knowledge and awareness about the burn hazards in their home,” said Frances MacDougall RN, Too Hot for Tots! Founder & Master Trainer.
For example, 70% of parents are unaware that the most common cause of burns in young children are scalds from hot drinks or hot tap water – not from fire. To address this growing issue, MacDougall developed the Too Hot for Tots! program to teach parents and caregivers how to prevent burn and scald injuries in the home. By raising awareness of the most common causes of burns, parents and caregivers can take proactive steps to prevent potentially life-changing injuries.
“Accidents are defined as unforeseen and unplanned events or circumstances but these injuries have a pattern. We see the same injuries happen to children at the same age, from the same circumstances,” said MacDougall. “Childhood burn injuries are common, serious and preventable!”
View Frances’ Breakfast TV interview
Parents and caregivers can learn more by accessing the resources on the Burn Awareness Week website, or by attending one of the burn prevention workshops listed below.
Burn Prevention Education for Parents and Caregivers of Children 0-6 Years of Age
The Too Hot for Tots! program teaches parents and caregivers of young children how to prevent burn and scald injuries in the home.
Dates: April 8, May 6, June 3
Time: 8-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Burn Fund Centre, 3891 Main St, Vancouver
How to Register: Contact Nola Laubach at 604-436-2053 or email nola@burnfund.org.
Workshop for Family Educators
This program is for anyone who educates caregivers with young children, such as childcare professionals, social workers, daycare providers, firefighters, nurses, and First Aid attendants. Attendees will be taught how to deliver the Too Hot for Tots! Caregiver Presentation. The presentation teaches caregivers about the common burn hazards in their home and provides evidence-based burn and scald prevention strategies to keep young children safe.
Dates: April 27, May 25, June 29
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $40 per person
Location: Burn Fund Centre, 3891 Main St, Vancouver
How to Register: Contact Nola Laubach at 604-436-2053 or email nola@burnfund.org.
