Industrial burns in Jamshedpur, India: epidemiology, prevention and first aid

Industrial burn injuries result in significant morbidity, infrequent mortality and man-hour loss, leading to loss of productivity. With a view to study the epidemiology of industrial burns in Jamshedpur and first aid awareness, we analysed 815 patients (142 inpatients and 673 outpatients) with industrial burns seen by us during the period from January 1993 to December 1996. 69% of these injuries were caused by contact with hot objects, while the rest were caused by flame, electrical and chemical agents. Our audio-visual awareness promotion programme for burns safety and first aid awareness amongst our officers and employees at various levels, has been successful in reducing the incidence of burns. The campaign has also popularised the use of cool water as the best first aid measure.