NUMC raises burn prevention awareness

Nassau University Medical Center is home to a $6.7 million, 12,000-square-foot burn center that officials said is one of the best staffed, most technologically sophisticated facilities in the United States.

Courtesy Shelley Lotenberg

Able to treat as many as 10 patients at one time, the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center at NUMC includes a four-bed critical care unit and a six-bed unit for acute care.

Courtesy Shelley Lotenberg

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In order to raise awareness of ways to prevent scald injuries to young children, officials at an East Meadow hospital participated in National Burn Awareness Week earlier this month.

Thanks in part to the Nassau County Firefighter Burn Center Fund, Nassau University Medical Center is home to a $6.7 million, 12,000-square-foot burn center that officials said is one of the best staffed, most technologically sophisticated facilities in the United States. In an effort to continue their advocacy and work in this field, officials participated in the American Burn Association’s annual initiative, held from Feb. 1 through 7 this year.

The 2016 campaign was focused on raising awareness about scalds, or burns caused by “wet heat” like hot water or steam; these are often worse than burns from fire or hot objects, officials said. Dr. Victor F. Politi, NUMC’s president and chief executive officer, said research shows that scalds are the most common type of burn injury in children under 5, and many of these scalds come from contact with foodstuffs.

“Many parents know to check bath and tap water to make sure it is safe for young children’s sensitive skin, but they may not think about the risk of scalds from hot food and drinks,” he explained. “Children have thinner skin than adults, so hot food and drinks can burn them more easily.”

Hot beverages like coffee are often served at 175 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer, Politi said, adding that liquid this hot can burn a young child’s skin in as little as one second. Such scalds can leave lifelong scars or result in hospital stays or surgeries.

NUMC is a member of Prevent Child Injury — a national group of organizations and individuals, including researchers, health professionals, educators and child advocates, working together to prevent injuries to children and adolescents. Dr. Roger L. Simpson, president of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group and chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery/director of the NUMC Burn Center, noted that the unit’s staff of specialized surgeons and nurses also continually stress prevention while caring for children and adults alike.