Scalding, it can happen in an instant. One minute you're taking a nice hot shower then someone in the other bathroom turns on the cold water taking it from you and you're hit full blast with hot water straight from the hot water tank. You're in the kitchen boiling water for dinner, you go to the fridge for something hearing a strange sound you turn around only to see your toddler tipping over the pot of hot water.

Every year more than 100 thousand people are rushed to the emergency room for first aid of scald burns, a small percentage of them will need hospitalized. It only take a water temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to become scalding, depending on the age of the victim and the area affected. Most scaldings happen with small children under the age of 5, the elderly and those physically challenged.

Scalding is a second-degree burn which is deeper and results in blistering or worse. Scalding with hot water or very severe sunburn are common instances of second-degree burns. It can be a burn injury caused by exposure to hot fluids or gasses such as hot water, cooking oil, or steam. In some instances, all it may take is some minor first aid treatment.

Did you know if you were exposed to water at a temperature of 140 degrees F no matter what age, you could be scalded. It can happen in less than 10 seconds. That is why you must be cautious when in facilities such as hospitals or other medical centers where they need hot water to kill the spread of bacteria. Usually the water in their laundry and diswashers are set at that high of a temperature.

The best way in first aid prevention of such burns at home is to set your hot water tank at 120 degrees F, remember, if you move into a new residence, check the hot water tank thermostat. If you are unable to adjust the temperature yourself, contact your local health department or fire department, they will come and assess how your hot water tank is working and how hot the water is. There is no charge for this service.

Other ways to use first aid prevention is to keep anything that is on the stove have the handles turned away so they're out of easy reach and to move them to the back burners. All children are inquisitive and want to search out new things. Don't let this be one of them. It is wise to teach your toddler that the stove top is a dangerous place.

Never place your body directly into water until you test the water to be sure of the temperature. Always test a baby's water with your wrist before placing them in the water. A baby's skin is very sensitive to heat and can scald in seconds. There are now temperature controls that can be placed on many hot water lines to help prevent scalding in showers and in sink taps, when someone else uses cold water in another part of the home.

If someone is scalded, first aid will be your first line of action. If it's a minor burn, put the affected area under cold water or apply a soaken towel with ice directly on the burn for a minimum of 5 minutes, but don't let the burn area become numb as this may cause frostbite. If it is a minor burn the use of Tylenol or its equivalent can reduce the pain. Don't use sprays or creams, this may arritate the burn. If blistering occures, DO NOT BREAK the blisters.

In some cases the area affected may be to large or severe and first aid just isn't enough. Call for or get help and see a doctor or the emergency room of your nearest hospital. A prescription may need to be given to relieve the pain.

To your understanding of first aid and prevention,

Dana Drewer