Burn Awareness: the Human Toll from Gasoline and Fire (Austin's Story on Video)
Gasoline Vapor Can Be Quickly Ignited
Burn prevention is a key endeavor of Shriners Hospitals for Children, which is why the health care system began its Burn Awareness campaigns more than 20 years ago.
Shriners Hospitals uploaded a video to YouTube on March 24, 2008 which demonstrates to the viewer how reckless use of gasoline can cause a fire, and what a burn victim endures. It is the story of Austin, a teen who sustained severe injuries after experimenting with fire and gasoline. (Some images may be disturbing to younger viewers).
To watch Austin's story on YouTube, click here.
Also from Shriners Hospitals for Children
Parents can take advantage of some complimentary burn prevention materials available from Shriners Hospitals for Children. They have made the following materials available for download:
Important Facts for Parents and Caregivers (PDF) EnglishSpanish
Safety Begins at Home Tipsheet (PDF)
Shriners Hospitals for Children Fact Sheet (PDF) EnglishSpanish
Burn Awareness Lesson Plans for Grades K-3 (PDF) English
Coloring Book Featuring Anthony the Fire Ant (PDF) English
From Wikipedia
Here is a caution from Wikipedia regarding gasoline and fire:
"Gasoline vapor rapidly mixes and spreads with air making unconstrained gasoline quickly flammable. Many accidents involve gasoline being used in an attempt to light bonfires; rather than helping the material on the bonfire to burn, some of the gasoline vaporizes quickly after being poured and mixes with the surrounding air, so when the fire is lit a moment later the vapor surrounding the bonfire instantly ignites in a large fireball, engulfing the unwary user."
From the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association has a campaign kit that you can download that they prepared for Burn Awareness Week 2001, which is an excellent resource for parents. They also have a PowerPoint Presentation (Gasoline-Related Injuries and How to Prevent Them) which you can download that contains this information on what to do for a burn victim (click here):
Protect yourself from similar injury
Remove victim from flame source
Stop burning process by smothering flames
Remove burned clothing that does not stick to the body
Cool body with running water
Cover victim with clean sheet or blanket
Call 9-1-1
Keep gasoline-saturated clothing and belongings away from ignition sources
Please share Austin's story with others if you feel that the message is suitable for them, and be sure to learn all you can about preventing burns from improper or reckless use of gasoline.
Sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU8HXhkOtjE
http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Education/BurnAwareness/GasolineSafety.aspx
http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Education/BurnAwareness/HomeSafety.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline#Health_concerns
http://www.ameriburn.org/Preven/2001Prevention/Public%20Education%20Materials.pdf
http://www.ameriburn.org/Preven/PowerPoint/GasolineSafety_files/frame.htm
Published by R.C. Johnson
Find me at my R.C.s Twin Cities Beat, (http://rcjohnsonwriter.com) or on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/rcjwriter/) or by clicking on the links under Affiliations. I am fortunate to have enjoyed profession... View profile
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10 Comments
Post a CommentExcellent writing! Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks RC, well done!
Yes, I agree with Michelle. Very important info. I think most people would be shocked after watching the video. Thanks friend. Love ya! :-)
Gasoline vapors are much more likely to ignite in hot weather.
Shriners do wonderful work. Thanks for a great article, RC.
Shriners are such a great organization.
important and well written article
Thank you for this important information and the links. Shriver's is a wonderful organization.
Great aricle Ruth. Much needed information.
This is an important warning - thank you for sharing it. Please be patient with me as I try to catch up on life that is moving a bit too fast for me at the moment while I grieve my puppy. cheers