Holiday Season Burns

Eberle Communications News Release

For Immediate Release

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Contact: Ellen Eberle 847-724-6575 elleneberle@hotmail.com

For: Heartworks CPR www.heartworkscpr.com

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Don't Get Burned This Holiday Season:

Heartworks CPR Offers Tips on Avoiding and Treating Burns

Glenview, IL, December 12, 2006 - Did you know that burns are among the most common and preventable household injuries - affecting more than one million people each year, many of whom are children?  The cold months can be particularly dangerous.  Among the most common wintertime burn sources are fireplaces, candles and the stove.  

Heartworks CPR, a leader in CPR and first-aid training and CPR certification, has some sound advice on staying safe this winter and protecting your family from getting burned.

1 Never leave food unattended while cooking;
2 Keep your pan handles pointing inward to protect the hot pan and its hot contents from being knocked off the stove;
3 Keep your stove clear of flammable materials including newspapers, dish cloths and food packaging;
4 Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children;
5 Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and check them regularly;
6 Keep a fire extinguisher in a safe, accessible location;
7 Keep burning candles out of reach of children and animals, extinguish them before going to bed;
8 Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them such as twigs, flowers and leaves;
9 Be mindful to keep hot coffee and other hot liquids away from children and wagging tails;
10 Hot cocoa doesn't have to be boiling to warm you up - why not try some warm cocoa;
11 Don't leave interior holiday lights on when your not at home; turn them off before going to bed;
12 Don't store food on top of your stove where animals can jump up and possibly turn on a burner, releasing gas;
13 Don't leave you child unattended near a burning fireplace; and
14 If your clothes catch fire, remember "STOP, DROP and ROLL."

"Of course the best way to keep you and your family safe from burns is to stay clear of burn sources," said Cindy Zaban, co-founder of Heartworks CPR.  She added that small household appliances such as irons, curling irons, toasters, free-standing indoor grills and sandwich makers are all burn sources when in use.  "Keep appliances out of reach of young hands and turn them off when not in use."

Vicki Dank, co-founder of Heartworks CPR advises that if you do suffer a burn, it's important to identify the degree of burn and treat it accordingly.

Heartworks CPR's guidelines for identifying burns include:

First degree burns, such as a mild sun burn, are the most minor of the three burn categories and are limited to the outer layer of the skin.  First degree burns are often painful with the skin becomes dry, red and sore.  To treat first degree burns, flush the inflicted area with cool running water for at least five minutes and apply a moist, loose dressing or bandage to protect from blistering.  Do not put ice directly on the burn as this may cause frostbite, further damaging the skin.

Second degree burns are characterized by a partial thickness or blistering of the skin.  And unlike first degree burns, the affected area will appear moist.  If the burn is no more than two to three inches in diameter, treat it as you would a first degree burn by flushing with cool water and applying a loose bandage.  Avoid breaking any blisters as this may cause an infection.  If the burn area is larger than three inches, seek medical advice.

Third degree burns, the most serious burns incurred, may be painless and involve all layers of the skin.  Fat, muscle and bone may also be affected by the burn.  If you suspect a third degree burn, call 911 immediately.  Do not immerse the wound in cold water as

this may cause the injured person to go into shock.  But do cover the burn with a loose,
moist dressing and make sure that the victim is not in contact with any smoldering clothing or heat sources.

"The best method for avoiding burns and other injuries, however, is prevention," said Zaban.  "Keep your home and office safe by identifying burn sourcex and protecting your family and pets from accidental contact."

Founded by Vicki Dank and Cindy Zaban, Heartworks CPR provides American Heart Association and Medic First Aid International training at their Glenview office or at your home, school or place of business.  Heartworks CPR also provides CPR Certification for those professions requiring the accreditation, including health care providers, trainers, flight attendants, education professionals and child care workers.

Heartworks CPR conducts classes on basic life support, first aid, CPR, CPR Certification, Defibrillator use, strokes, allergic reactions, insect bites, pet first aid and pet CPR.  

To learn more about Heartworks CPR or to schedule a CPR or first-aid training session for your family or office, call them at 847-724-6575 or visit their web site at www.heartworkscpr.com.

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