**Conflict of interest**

According to the WHO, the possible modifications of the environment that can reduce the number of thermal injuries among children are improved heating and lighting equipment at

The own review of the studies about environmental risk factors of burns in children indicates that effective strategy in prevention of scalds in pediatric population is lowering the temperature in the water heaters [17]. Moreover, several studies identified the lack of hot water supply

The arrangement of the apartment that decreases the likelihood of childhood injury includes limited access to the cooking area (and hot fluids). The own review of the studies about environmental risk factors of burns in children indicates that most burn accidents occur in the kitchen [17]. Kitchen without door was found to increase risk of burn injury [17]. The WHO also pays attention to the arrangement of the apartment and separation of cooking area from living area [16].

Burns are preventable, so prevention strategies should address the hazards for specific burn injuries, education for vulnerable populations and training of communities in first aid. According to the European Report on Child Injury Prevention, there are many cost-effective strategies to prevent burns in children, for example, combination of approaches—involving

Simple changes in the children's environment and increasing awareness of caregivers can

To sum up, burns are injuries that affect approximately 1% of all children per year. Their con-

Most of these injuries are preventable. Simple changes in the children's environment and increasing awareness of caregivers can lead to decrease in the number of burns in children. Moreover, the first aid given to burn children soon after the injury usually is not adequate (no cooling thermal burns and no analgesia). It is important to underline that also medical staff is

Thus, education (medical stuff, paramedical stuff, and caregivers) about first aid in burns and increasing awareness of caregivers about the unsafe behaviors (such as leaving the mug with hot tea at the edge of the table, where the child can easily reach), avoiding the situations that

Moreover, legislation interventions such as laws to enforce smoke detectors, smoke alarms installation, or regulation of hot water at homes are promising strategies to reduce the num-

sequences can have physical and mental dimension. Serious burns can lead to death.

puts child at risk of burn, seems to be one of the most important parts of prevention.

legislation, engineering, environmental modification, and education [16].

not always well educated in providing first aid to burned patients.

in the household as a risk factor of scalds in children [17].

**10. Opportunities for health improvement**

lead to decrease in the number of this type of injuries.

**11. Conclusions**

ber of burned children.

homes [16].

286 Essentials of Accident and Emergency Medicine

I confirm there are no conflicts of interest.
