The aim of these pages is to help reduce the unacceptably high incidence of burn injuries in Europe and beyond. We hope you will find the information useful.

Why burn prevention is so essential

Burn injuries remain an important public health problem” – World Health Organisation

Burn injuries from fire, scalds, electrical trauma and chemicals contribute to the annual death toll, mainly amongst children and the elderly, and tens of thousands with severe burn injuries are admitted to hospitals worldwide.

Non-fatal burns for all age groups are a leading cause of morbidity including prolonged hospitalisation, permanent disfigurement, disability, and psychosocial trauma, consequences which often result in social stigma and rejection.

Facts about childhood burn injuries

  • Amongst children, infants and toddlers are at significantly higher risk of burns and scald injuries
  • 90% of burns sustained by children are preventable with the vast majority of burn injuries occurring in the child’s home

Facts about elderly burn injuries

  • Burn injuries among elderly are comparatively more severe because the elderly are more fragile. This age group seldom recover from serious burns; if they survive, they may be left traumatised and highly vulnerable often leading to institutional care.
  • Injuries due to burns, fire and flames are the fourth leading cause of injury death among people 65 and older even though they account for less than 5% of all types of injuries.
  • Although fire, flames and burns comprise less than 5% of the total burden of injury, they are the most disfiguring ones.

Artist: Steve Sharpe UK.