Flame burn admissions and fire fatalities in Scotland with particular reference to the Strathclyde (Glasgow) region, and their prevention

Scotland has the highest rate of fire fatalities in the UK. Nearly 50% of t he population and fire deaths in Scotland are in the Strathclyde region. Th e data from the burns unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary were studied to find the number of admissions due to flame burns and see how it compared with th e fire deaths. During 1981-1993, amongst 2771 admissions to the burns unit, 1181 (43%) were due to flame burns and out of these flame burn victims, 69 % were adults, 16% elderly and 15% children. The distribution of cases acco rding to the total body surface area (TBSA) involvement was 866 (73%) with 1-15%, 165 (14%) with 16-30%, and 150 (13%) with greater than or equal to 3 1% TBSA burns. The annual number of flame burn admissions declined during 1 981-1993. In the Glasgow region 50% of the domestic fires leading to non-fa tal burns or to death were started by misuse of smoking materials. Chip pan fires were responsible for 8% of admissions to the burns unit. The annual number of fare fatalities when reviewed for a longer period 1973-1995 also showed a decreasing trend. Further educational and legislative measures to prevent flame burns are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.