Burn Patients' Experience of Risk and Perspectives on Prevention After Severe Thermal Injury Caused by Flammable...

Denatured alcohol, bioethanol and the many forms of devices that use these flammable liquids represent a significant risk for severe burn injury. The experiences and perspectives of former victims of accidents with these accelerants and fuels have scarcely been reported. The objective of this qualitative semi-structured interview study was to describe former burn patients' experience of their accidents using flammable liquids, as well as their perspective on future prevention. Three themes were identified: "to be shocked"; "to be vigilant"; and "to use what was learnt". This meant that for all participants, the totally unexpected explosive character of the accident and the severe consequences for those burned had made them rethink earlier beliefs and adapt behaviour, as well as engage and come up with suggestions for future preventive measures. Hence, burn accidents caused by denatured alcohol or bioethanol resulted in an unanticipated and shocking experience with large injuries and long-term physical and psychological consequences, including increased vigilance and altered behaviour. The former burn victims suggested strong and combined preventive actions involving information, education for use, improved design of devices, as well as restrictions and regulations involving stakeholders, authorities and users.