National Burn Awareness Day held on 16 October, shines a light on the importance of burn prevention and education. This year’s theme – “A burn injury is for life” – highlights the lasting impact burns can have, both physically and emotionally. Raising awareness and encouraging caution are essential steps to protect vulnerable groups, including children and older adults.

In the UK, 250,000 people suffer burn injuries each year, with 175,000 seeking A&E care and 16,000 requiring hospital admission. Children make up nearly half of those seriously affected, with hot drinks, bath water, and kitchen spills being common causes.

Older adults and people with reduced mobility, dementia, or learning disabilities are also at increased risk. Treating major burns costs the NHS around £168,155 per patient, highlighting the importance of both prevention and effective care.

Katrina Elsey , senior associate at Switalskis, shares her thoughts on supporting clients through life-changing burn injuries:

"Burns may leave scars, but they also tell a story of resilience, courage, and the strength to keep going. Today is about raising awareness, sharing kindness, and remembering that thousands of people in the UK suffer burns each year—many of which could have been prevented with just a little more awareness and caution.

As a personal injury representative, I have supported many clients through devastating burn incidents. Burn injuries can happen in an instant – whether at home, work, or in public spaces – and they often carry lifelong consequences.

Today serves as a reminder that burns change lives. Together, on Burns Awareness Day 2024, by understanding the long-term impact of these injuries and encouraging everyone – employers, colleagues, and community members – to act responsibly, we can help protect each other.”

Understanding burn severity

Burns vary in severity and require appropriate care:

Superficial epidermal burns : Affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness, swelling, and pain without blistering.

Superficial dermal burns : Damage both the outer layer and part of the dermis, leading to pink skin, blistering, and pain.

Deep dermal or partial-thickness burns : Involve both the epidermis and dermis, causing blotchy skin, swelling, and varying pain levels.

Full-thickness burns : The most severe type, damaging all skin layers, resulting in charred or waxy skin with a loss of sensation.

Severe burns require specialist care. Centres like the St Andrew’s Burn Centre at Broomfield Hospital provide expert treatment to support recovery.

Lifelong recovery and essential support

Burn injuries affect not only the body but also the mind, often requiring ongoing support. Some key organisations offering help include:

British Burns Association (BBA) : Promoting research and high-quality care.

Dan’s Fund for Burns : Offering financial aid and community support.

Children’s Burns Trust : Providing emergency grants and family support, including burn clubs and camps.

Katie Piper Foundation : Supporting adult survivors with rehabilitation and emotional care.

Simple ways to prevent burn injuries

Small actions can reduce the risk of burns:

Keep hot drinks and saucepans out of children’s reach.

Always check bath water temperature before children enter.

Avoid using hot water bottles directly against the skin.

Use cooker guards and turn saucepan handles inward.

These precautions can help keep children and vulnerable people safe from avoidable injuries.

At Switalskis, we stand alongside those affected by burns, working to secure justice for those whose injuries were caused by negligence. We understand the long-term impact burns can have and are committed to helping survivors rebuild their lives. If you need legal advice, contact our friendly team today – call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com