DAYTON — A leader in the trauma program at Dayton Children’s said the hospital is seeing a surge in severe burn cases.
Since Memorial Day, the hospital has admitted nine patients for campfire or bonfire injuries. That number does not include the patients treated in the emergency department and released.
“We’re talking about multiple surgeries, skin grafting, some really serious cases,” Lisa Schwing, the trauma program manager said.
Schwing said during the same time last year, the hospital only had one of this kind of case.
“I think this is happening because people are sticking a little closer to home, they’re not doing a lot of big vacationing, so they’re camping,” Schwing said. “Some of it is I think the kids are really struggling for stuff to do.”
Schwing said teenagers are getting hurt making bonfires.
“We’re seeing quite a few injuries related to throwing accelerants into the flame, and those are not just burns. Those are explosions and burns and shrapnel,” Schwing said.
Preschoolers are also getting hurt around open flames.
“They’re running around. They get close to the fire, somebody trips,” Schwing said.
All nine patients admitted to Dayton Children’s have been treated and released. They are all expected to be ok.
To avoid these kind of injuries, Schwing said set up a perimeter around the fire, douse it with water when you are done and make sure the embers are cold. She also suggests parents keep an eye on teenagers to make sure they are not using fire starters.
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