The Dutch Burns Foundation

The Dutch Burns Foundation sounds the gong to draw attention to young children and their increased risk of burn injury, especially during the summer months. Ambassador Kick (9), burned by an accident with hot tea, sounds the gong.

Young children are overrepresented in the burn centers in Groningen, Beverwijk and Rotterdam. Over a quarter of burn patients (25.8% in 2016) admitted in the three Dutch burn centers are under 5 years of age. Especially during the holiday season, there is an increased risk of burn injury, because the circumstances during a holiday are different compared to  the circumstances at home and the daily routine is missing. For example: the campsite tabletop with the hot cup of tea is a little lower and less stable than the dining table at home. A child only needs a split second to reach for the hot tea cup.

The consequences of burn injury for young children are severe. They have a much thinner skin and the burned body surface area is relatively large compared to a similar burn in adults. Children often need reconstructive  surgery for many years. The three burn centers and the Dutch Burns Foundation (both part of Brandwondenzorg Nederland) want to prevent these accidents and therefore call on parents of young children to be alert.

For more information: https://www.brandwondenstichting.nl/

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