It might be the middle of winter, but that doesn't stop burns from happening. From hot ashes in the fireplace to boiling water to clear frozen lines, it's essential to be aware of potential burn hazards and know how to handle them if something goes wrong. It's burn awareness week, so here's the tale of a recent run-in with a pot of boiling water that almost ruined our Christmas.
It was late December of 2021, and we had a client with a frozen drain line in the shower of a cottage addition with insufficient insulation. Now they're a client we'll never forget.
As we worked with hot tap water and boiling pots to free up the small blockage in the drain line, which developed during a sharp cold snap, a spill occurred during transport, giving us a Christmas to remember; thankfully, through fast action, knowledge of first-aid for burns from a history of working with grills and hot oil and an abundance of snow and cool compresses, we were able to manage the outcome and mitigate what could have been a disastrous day.
The outcome was a minor scar due to some first-degree blistering burns, which served as a stern reminder of what could have been.
Thankfully the only treatment required for this burn was a cold dose of reality, some topical ointments, protective bandages from the pharmacy, and some over-the-counter pain relief.
Be wise. Learn from our mistakes and not your own.
Exercise extreme caution when dealing with potential burn hazards.
Whenever possible, don't work alone.
Understand the treatment process for burns.
When burned, time is of the essence.
Medical assistance might be the difference between life and death in some circumstances, yet first aid can be just as crucial of a step to mitigate the outcome.
The mayo clinic provides an informative overview of burns, including the diagnosis, treatment and home remedies which may prove helpful if you'd like to learn more.
Please don't mistake our limited experience for medical guidance. We are not medical professionals, and you should see a doctor if you have a burn needing treatment.
We're sharing to educate others about the dangers of burns and burn hazards in cottage country. Cottage country is beautiful, but with kids and campfires, wood stoves and BBQs, there are many opportunities to get hurt. Make sure you know how to care for a burn before it happens to you or someone you love.
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