August 13, 2019 – When summer starts to fade and another school year is about to start, we know that means Labor Day is right around the corner. For most families and friends, the holiday is a chance to get together for cookouts and celebrations. However, for the staff at the Burn & Reconstructive Centers of Florida at Kendall Regional Medical Center, Labor Day is a time to spotlight safety.
As the leading Burn Hospital in South Florida, Kendall Regional’s team strives to spread awareness on burn prevention and safety tips. Dr. Haaris Mir, the Medical Director of the Burn & Reconstructive Center encourages everyone to have a fun, but safe, Labor Day.
Labor Day burn safety starts with grill care. Making sure your grill works and its gas tanks are not leaking are good initial steps. Dr. Mir recommends checking for leaks by spraying soapy water on gas line connections. If you see water bubbles, there is a leak.
“Refrain from using any fire-starting device to check for leaks,” says Dr. Mir. “That’s how explosions happen.”
Some additional tips and precautions include:
•Create a “safe zone” surrounding the grill, or any area where there is a burn risk, such as a campfire.
•Use grills only in properly ventilated areas to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
•Never use an accelerant such as gasoline to light a grill, campfire or debris pile. Gas fumes can ignite and cause a large explosion.
• To dispose of hot coals, soak with water, then stir and soak again to make sure the fire is out.
•Always shut off the propane tank valve when not in use.
•Never try to light a gas grill with the lid closed.
•Always wear short sleeves and/or tight-fitting clothing while grilling.
For those planning to spend the holiday working in the yard, make sure to take extra precautions if you are going to have a burn pile. First, check local guidelines for outdoor burning. Then, make sure you know what is in the pile. A hidden aerosol can cause a huge explosion, and other items can emit toxic fumes when burned. Other safety tips include:
•Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or any other flammable liquid to start the fire.
•Always have a hose nearby in case the fire starts getting out of control. Having another option nearby – like a bucket of sand or a fire extinguisher – is also a good idea.
•Never park a vehicle on top of a pile of leaves or debris, as the heat of the vehicle could ignite the pile.
•Do not leave a fire unattended or under the supervision of a minor.
•Make sure the fire is out and all hot coals are extinguished when your work is done.
“Burns cause a lot of pain, but that can be prevented with caution and forethought,” said Dr. Mir.
Even with these precautions, burns can happen. To treat a minor burn:
•First, rinse the area with room temperature or cool water.
•Do not use ice or very cold water.
•Do not apply butter, mustard, oil or toothpaste.
•Apply an antibiotic ointment to the injured area and keep it covered with a clean, dry gauze.
Seek medical care.
For more information, call 305.222.2200 or visit www.KendallMed.Com/Service/Burn-Care.
About Kendall Regional Medical Center
Kendall Regional Medical Center, an award-winning 417-bed hospital, is recognized for providing a wide array of services to the residents of South Florida, as well as visitors from around the world. We offer 24-hour comprehensive medical, surgical and diagnostic services, including trauma and burn care, pediatrics and maternity services, an orthopedic and spine institute, along with patient and community services. For over 45 years, we have been committed to expanding and improving every facet of the organization, devoting significant time and resources to enhancing the facility, staff and medical care. Kendall Regional Medical Center has grown into a major tertiary-care teaching facility, with an outstanding staff, that includes more than 1000 physicians and specialists and over 1,800 employees, all of whom place importance in making our patients feel welcome and comfortable.
