Winter heater warning

PARAMEDICS are urging parents to be vigilant with babies and young children around household heaters after an infant was taken to hospital with burns to his hands.

Queensland Ambulance senior operations supervisor Brad Setch said a boy, 1, suffered superficial burns to his hands after touching a household heater about 7pm on Wednesday, and was taken to Toowoomba Hospital in a stable condition.

Mr Setch said the incident was a reminder for residents to be mindful of heating devices in the home during the cooler months.

“It really just highlights that with the younger ones and the elderly that we need to take a bit of care and that when accidents happen, they can happen quickly,” he said.

“Be a bit vigilant and when purchasing a heater, consider the safety aspects.”

Mr Setch said residents with medical conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation might not be aware of a burns injury.

“Especially with the elderly that can be life threatening and (the burns) can be that bad with the loss of feeling in their legs,” he said.

“It’s not a matter of parents neglecting their children - we all know that one minute they’re with you and the next minute they’re gone.”

Mr Setch said while not every burn would require assistance by paramedics, anyone with doubt should seek medical advice.

“Cool the burn under some cool water, but definitely not ice, and if it is a large area of burns, maybe run a shower,” he said.

“The idea is to take the heat out of a burn.

“Don’t put cream or anything on it especially if ringing for an ambulance.”

Residents can phone 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or their GP for advice.