Paediatric injuries associated with the use of disposable barbecues: are we finding ourselves in hot sand?
OBJECTIVE
To document, describe and raise awareness of a preventable injury associated with the use of disposable barbecues.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study of incidents involving barbecue burns. Cases were identified through the burn injury database of a tertiary paediatric burns referral centre and case notes reviewed. Experiments were performed to evaluate the dissipation of heat from sand.


RESULTS
Over a 3-month period, 9 children were identified out of a series of 296. The median age was 5 years and burns were sustained through contact with hot sand where disposable barbecues had been used. 87% (n=13) of the burns were partial thickness and most affected critical areas such as the hands and feet. The majority (93%) responded well to debridement and simple dressings and all patients made a complete recovery. Experiments show that, even after a prolonged period of time, sand can retain sufficient heat to cause a contact burn.


CONCLUSIONS
We have noted an increased incidence of burns with this mechanism of injury. The burns are usually superficial, they tend to occur predominantly in children and involve critical areas. We suggest that areas where disposable barbecues have stood should be cooled and children kept away from the area for at least 5min. The results of the study have been forwarded to the Prevention Committee of the British Burn Association with the aim of raising awareness of this mechanism of burn.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol BS16 1LE, UK. pvermaak@gmail.com
Pieter
P
Vermaak
Mahammed
M
Haj Basheer
Hussein
H
Taki
Timothy
T
Burge
D000293:Adolescent; D002056:Burns / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003296:Cooking / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011998:Recreation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000633:toxicity*
D012822:Silicon Dioxide