Age-Based Characteristics of Pediatric Burn Injuries From Outdoor Recreational Fires

Abstract

Abstract Accidental burns from outdoor recreational activities, such as campfires, bonfires, ceremonial fires, and firepits, are not uncommon; however, few studies describe the nature of such injuries in children. The objective of this study was to examine the age-based pattern of pediatric burn injuries from outdoor fires. Children and adolescents 0 to 18 years, admitted to the Burn Center between 2008 and 2018 with acute burn injuries from outdoor fires, were included in the current study. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the burn injury database. Patients were categorized into three age groups: 0 to 5 years, 5 to 10 years, and 10 to 18 years. One hundred and sixty-seven children were included in the data analysis, the mean age of the cohort was 6.4 (SD ± 4.9) years, and the majority (66.5%) were males. More than half (52.1%) were less than 5 years of age, they commonly sustained hand burns and frequently required inpatient burn management. Burn severity varied between age groups, and the mean total burn surface area (TBSA) was significantly higher in adolescents (10.9%). Almost half the injuries (49.7%) resulted from a fall onto a campfire, bonfire, or a firepit. In this study, we found age-specific variation in the mechanism and pattern of burn injuries. Children at least 5 years and adolescents were least common victims of burns due to outdoor fires but suffered from more serious injuries with significantly higher TBSA involvement, longer intensive care unit, and ventilator days. Raising awareness among parents, caregivers, and children about outdoor fire safety is important for the prevention of such injuries.