Ms Kathy Bicknell¹, Ms Alison  Baillie¹, M Rebecca  Mills¹

¹Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Parkville, Australia

Abstract:

Data obtained from the Burns Registry of Australia & NZ (BRANZ) 2016 – 2017 annual report shows that the most common age group of children admitted to hospital with a burn injury are 1 – 2 years of age. There are however a number of children under the age of one who sustain a burn injury.

A two year review of both inpatient and outpatient presentations of children with a burn injury aged six months of age and younger, at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne (RCH) burns clinic, was undertaken to determine any common causes of burn injury and what extra services or supports were required for this age group. The age of 6 months and younger was chosen as this age group are usually not yet crawling or walking. Data included in the review was age at injury, mechanism of injury and services and supports required.

Results showed that while the number of patients in this age group is low there have been babies as young as 2 weeks treated for burn injuries requiring significant care. Mechanisms included scalds, radiation and contact. Information gained from this data will help guide future planning of prevention and care for this age group.

Biography:

Kathy is the Burns Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Kathy brings a vast amount of experience in general paediatric and paediatric burn care from over 20 years and has been in her current position for 9 years. In her role Kathy coordinates inpatient/outpatient care for burns patients, provides education to patients, families, nursing, medical and allied health internally and externally and in the community.