- Author
- National Institute for Burn Medicine | Michigan Office of Services to the Aging
- Title
- Fire Safety, Burn Prevention and Immediate Burn Care for Older Adults.
- Coporate
- National Institute for Burn Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, Lansing
- Keywords
- elderly persons | fire safety | fire prevention | burns (injuries) | medical services | fire fighters | fire statistics | survival | fire severity
- Identifiers
- changes that may occur with aging; burn and fire prevention tips; immediate burn care at the scene
- Abstract
- Michigan's 1985 "Statewide Survey of Needs" documented reasons why older people are more susceptible to fire related deaths and injuries. Overall, the most serious perceived problem was poor health (25.7%). Arthritis was the most frequent diagnosis claimed by 60% of the 1,224 respondents. Thirty percent had hearing problems, 50% had eyesight problems, and over 7% needed health aids but did nolt have them. Less than 40% participated regularly in vigorous exercise. High percentages reported symptoms of stress and depression. As a theoretical profile then, we can project that people with sensory deficits, chronic disease frequently related to cardiovascular status, limited mobility and flexibility, and less than optimal mental health would be less likely to avoid fire hazards or escape fire situations. This project, undertaken as a collaborative effort between the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA), and the National Institute for Burn Medicine (NIBM), and presented in cooperation with local firefighters and shelter advisors, seeks to expand programs and develop materials which address the fire and burn problem of older adults in Michigan. This pamphlet outlines who gets burned, where and how these accidents happen. This information is then used to identify the specific behavior changes that could prevent these injuries. If these injuries cannot be prevented; information is presented to understand what response by the victim and the firefighters will reduce the severity of injury. Extent and depth of injury are reviewed as a basis for procedures to stop the burning process. First aid, immediate care. and wound care at home round out the pamphlet. It becomes clear that prevention activities are doubly important as an adult ages. Specialized burn care can save the lives of burned victims; but at a great cost to the health care system and to the individual. The cost is measured not only financially, but in use of the body's energy reserves for recovery; in pain and suffering, and in the long-term effects on the quality of life.