Burn center doctors: Please be careful using space heaters
Posted:
Updated:
CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) -
Doctors at Loyola University Medical Center's Burn Center, who see about 3,500 burn patients every year at the west suburban hospital's clinic, are warning area residents that winter is not over yet and precautions should still be taken with the use of space heaters.
A release Friday from the hospital's burn center cites Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) statistics, that estimate that more than 25,000 residential fires and more than 300 deaths are caused each year by space heaters.
More than 6,000 Americans receive hospital emergency room care annually for burn injuries associated with room heaters, the release said.
"Every year we receive patients who are victims of house fires caused by space heaters," Dr. Richard Gamelli, director of the Burn and Shock Trauma Institute at Loyola University Medical Center, said.
The Loyola Burn Center is one of the busiest in the Midwest, according to the release, treating nearly 700 patients annually in the hospital, and another 3,500 patients each year in its clinic.
"So many of these injuries are preventable if simple precautions are taken," Gamelli said.
Tips on the safe use of space heaters that the burn center pointed to are:
Keep space heaters at least 3-feet away from furniture or other combustible material, such as curtains and bedding. Don't place heaters on carpets or rugs.
Locate space heaters on a hard, level surface where a child or family pet cannot brush up against them.
Never leave a space heater on when an adult is not present in the room.
If you are using a fuel-fired heater, do not go to sleep with it on, since carbon monoxide levels could rise and be fatal.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:45:02 GMT
Beans are a great super-food to get your body bikini-ready. Try the Haricort Verts with Fig Balsamic Glaze, Black Bean and Corn with Hearts of Palm or Chickpea with Zucchini, Romaine and Aged Parmesan Salads!
Beans are a great super-food to get your body bikini-ready. Try the Haricort Verts with Fig Balsamic Glaze, Black Bean and Corn with Hearts of Palm or Chickpea with Zucchini, Romaine and Aged Parmesan Salads!
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:21:15 GMT
A Minnesota teen with terminal bone cancer passed away Monday, but not before making a big difference. Zach Sobiech wrote a song called "Clouds" that reached millions around the globe.
A Minnesota teen with terminal bone cancer passed away Monday, but not before making a big difference. Zach Sobiech wrote a song called "Clouds" that reached millions around the globe.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:18 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:18:01 GMT
What a thrill to be invited as one of only two American journalists and nine other international journalists on a medical journalism study tour of some of Poland's finest international medical tourism destinations.
What a thrill to be invited as one of only two American journalists and nine other international journalists on a medical journalism study tour of some of Poland's finest international medical tourism destinations.
Jean Alves is a registered dietician at Rush University Medical Center. She explained what "drunkorexia"can do to your body and brain in the short term, as well as its lasting effects.
Jean Alves is a registered dietician at Rush University Medical Center. She explained what "drunkorexia"can do to your body and brain in the short term, as well as its lasting effects.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
Deanna Stellato, Director of Aesthetics at the Geldner Center shared easy, do-it-yourself skin care tips for home remedies that require ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen!
Deanna Stellato, Director of Aesthetics at the Geldner Center shared easy, do-it-yourself skin care tips for home remedies that require ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen!
Komedyplast founder and Highland Park plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig travels to Peru with his charity to help kids with congenital craniofacial anomalies who wouldn't otherwise be able to get surgery.
Komedyplast founder and Highland Park plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig travels to Peru with his charity to help kids with congenital craniofacial anomalies who wouldn't otherwise be able to get surgery.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:03 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:03:10 GMT
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:45:07 GMT
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:50:46 GMT
The attorney for an 87-year-old woman who accuses Donald Trump of cheating her in a skyscraper condo deal told Chicago jurors on Wednesday that the "Apprentice" star lied on the witness stand.
Jurors have withdrawn to begin deliberations about whether Donald Trump cheated an 87-year-old who claims the "Apprentice" star cheated her in property deal.
