Health chiefs in Wales have warned how a 'steep rise' in burn injuries has originated from a major misconception about disposing of beach barbecues. The warning has been issued as part of efforts to avoid a summer of potentially serious injuries as families and children flock to beaches to make the most of the weather.
WARNING: There are graphic images of burn images in this article
They are encouraging people to 'learn, don't burn' and how to safely dispose of barbecues. The advice, which ties in with National Child Safety Week, is one of a number of warnings about how people can keep themselves, their families and others safe as more of us head outside for our fun.
Louise Scannell, paediatric lead for burns and plastic surgery at Swansea Bay University Health Board, and Fiona Davies, clinical lead for paediatric burns and plastics, have urged people to be particularly mindful of barbecues when trying to enjoy summer safely and that when people think they are making them safe, they are actually making them far more dangerous. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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“There has certainly been a steep rise in injuries sustained from disposable barbecues left on the beach. The tendency is to bury the coals under the sand, but that means they can’t be seen which results in people stepping on them," said Louise
“That can cause a really nasty injury because the sand is heated by the coals, rather than the coals cooling through the sand. It’s a common misconception, but it’s an important thing to be aware of.
“There are disposable bins for barbecues around some of Swansea’s beaches, so we urge people to make use of them to prevent harm to others” said Louise. You can read about the 15 places where you can get rid of your disposable barbecue in Swansea - here.
There have been a number of serious injuries from barbecues left on beaches - including a student who suffered horrific injuries from stepping on scorching hot sand where a barbecue had been, and a boy whose foot was said to have 'melted like wax' after he also stepped where a barbecue had been.
Alongside the cautions around barbecue safety, the team have come up with top tips to help every member of the family enjoy summer safely. You can find more information by clicking here.
Louise added: “Out of all the burn injuries we have, the most common for this time of year is definitely barbecue related. The weather is a lot nicer now and it’s lovely having a barbecue in your own garden or at the park. But there are certain factors you need to be aware of.
"The positioning of your barbecue is very important. Ensure it’s away from a busy area where kids may be playing - and children should not be allowed to use it. The person in charge of the barbecue shouldn’t be consuming alcohol either." You can read more stories about Swansea here.
Fiona also reminded people about sunburn, saying: “The damage it can do to children, in particular, should not be underestimated. It’s also important to realise that it doesn’t have to be very hot to burn skin - you can burn even if it’s overcast. You need to keep reapplying lotion even if your lotion is water resistant and wear a hat and t-shirt in the hottest part of the day.
“Even though you may not appear to be burning, the sun is still damaging your skin and the risk of skin cancer is increased. The pain and trauma it causes should also be considered. Children with a burn that hasn’t healed in three weeks are likely to have scarring and ongoing problems. The deeper the burn the more significant the problems they’ll have later in life.”
For anyone who suffers a burn which needs to be seen by a clinician, the minor injury unit at Neath Port Talbot Hospital can treat things like less serious burns to all patients over the age of one. Patients should only go to Morriston Hospital’s A&E (Emergency Department) in the event of serious burns or serious injury. Children aged under one must go to the children’s emergency department at Morriston.
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