Scalding, it can happen in an instant. One minute you’re taking a nice hot shower then someone in the other bathroom turns on the cold water taking it from you and you’re hit full blast with hot water straight from the hot water tank. You’re in the kitchen boiling water for dinner, you go to the fridge for something hearing a strange sound you turn around only to see your toddler tipping over the pot of hot water.

Most scaldings happen with small children under the age of 5, the elderly and those physically challenged. It only take a water temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to become scalding, depending on the age of the victim and the area affected. Every year more than 100 thousand people are rushed to the emergency room for first aid treatment of scald burns, a small percentage of them will need hospitalized.

Scalding is a type of burn injury caused by exposure to hot fluids or gasses such as hot water, cooking oil, or steam. Scalding is a second-degree burn which is deeper and results in blistering or worse. Scalding with hot water or very severe sunburn are common instances of second-degree burns. First aid can be used on the smaller affected areas.

Many facilities need to have higher water temperatures to control bacteria, such as hospitals and medical centers. Dishwashers and laundries help prevent the spread of harmful bacterial diseases. In these settings they need the water temperature to be as high as 140 degrees F. Just the slightest area exposed most likely will be burned no mater what age you are.

If you move into a new residence, check the hot water tank thermostat. If you are unable to adjust the temperature yourself, contact your local health department or fire department, they will come and assess how your hot water tank is working and how hot the water is. There is no charge for this service. The best way in first aid prevention of such burns at home is to set your hot water tank at 120 degrees F.

Other ways to use first aid prevention is to keep anything that is on the stove have the handles turned away so they’re out of easy reach and to move them to the back burners. All children are inquisitive and want to search out new things. Don’t let this be one of them. It is wise to teach your toddler that the stove top is a dangerous place.

There are now temperature controls that can be placed on many hot water lines to help prevent scalding in showers and in sink taps, when someone else uses cold water in another part of the home. Never place your body directly into water until you test the water to be sure of the temperature. Always test a baby’s water with your wrist before placing them in the water. A baby’s skin is very sensitive to heat and can scald in seconds.

If someone is scalded, first aid will be your first line of action. If it’s a minor burn, put the affected area under cold water or apply a soaken towel with ice directly on the burn for a minimum of 5 minutes, but don’t let the burn area become numb as this may cause frostbite. If it is a minor burn the use of Tylenol or its equivalent can reduce the pain. Don’t use sprays or creams, this may arritate the burn. If blistering occures, DO NOT BREAK the blisters.

First aid may not be the answer if it’s a serious burn. Either contact or drive to the nearest medical facility immediately. Don’t put the affected area under water. You may need to see a doctor and a antibiotics may be needed.

Become more aware of First Aid and Prevention,

Dana Drewer

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