Fire safety tips: Preventing burns around campfires

Campfires are a beloved part of summer, but for families with young children, it’s important to be aware of the risk of burns and know how to prevent and respond to such injuries.

Dr. Denise Klinkner, a pediatric trauma center director and pediatric surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, encourages you to remember the “stop, drop, and roll” fire safety technique to put out the flames if a child’s clothing or skin catches fire.

If a child experiences minor burns or blisters, Klinkner suggests these steps:

• Apply a cool, wet cloth to help cool the burn until the pain eases. Do not use cold water as children’s body temperatures can drop quickly.

• Apply a clean, dry dressing or bandage loosely around the burn. This blocks airflow over the burn, often a significant source of pain.

— MAYO CLINIC NEWS NETWORK