Gas, electricity are major burn risks for adults
By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney Adults and older people have been urged to take greater care when using gas, electricity and hot water to prevent burn injuries. The Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Center at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Sarfoa Ompong, says these are among the common sources […]
Adults and older individuals are being advised to exercise caution when utilizing gas, electricity, and hot water to avoid burn injuries. Sarfoa Ompong, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Center at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, highlighted that these are frequent sources of burns among people aged 20 and above.
On the GTV Breakfast Show, she explained that thermal burns are prevalent among adults aged 20-50, often resulting from gas and electricity usage. These thermal burns can occur due to gas explosions or electrical hazards. Women are more frequently affected by gas explosions, while men commonly experience burns from electricity and gas.
The elderly, particularly those over 50, are also at risk, but hot water poses an additional danger. Among older individuals, hot water burns can happen during bathing or if they accidentally fall into it while carrying water. This situation can be especially severe, as elderly individuals may struggle to escape the heat quickly, leading to deeper burns.
Ompong stressed the importance of individuals caring for older adults being mindful of their activities involving hot water and other potential burn sources.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
