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The Hot Water Bottle Warning Every Parent Needs
Description
Just over a week ago, my daughter was badly burned when her hot water bottle split along the seam. She needed specialist care at the Queen Victoria Hospital burns unit which became famous for Archibald McIndoe’s work treating badly burned WWII airmen.
Instead of going back to university, she spent her 20th birthday recovering at home, unable to walk.
In this community catch-up episode I’ll tell you what happened, what we learned about treating burns, and what I want you to do tonight:
- If someone gets burned, cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes, cover it loosely with cling film, and get medical help.
- Check your hot water bottle for the daisy wheel symbol. It shows the month and year it was made. If it’s more than two years old, throw it out.
- Never fill it with boiling water. Let the kettle stand for a few minutes, fill it only two-thirds full, and squeeze out the air before you seal it.
- Consider a wheat or rice bag instead.
I’m also campaigning for every hot water bottle sold in the UK to carry clear warnings and a “throw out by” date.
CHILDREN'S BURNS TRUST: https://cbtrust.org.uk/
QUEEN VICTORIA HOSPITAL: https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/
ADULT BURNS SUPPORT: https://adultburnsupportuk.org/
BRITISH BURN ASSOCIATION: https://www.britishburnassociation.org/
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Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.
Find all the tips from the episode on Substack:
My email teenagersuntangled@gmail.com
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