Parkland burn center staff offer campfire, BBQ, fireworks safety tips

Caution campers to ‘cool the coals’ DALLAS – Temperatures are at or near the century mark. The days are sweltering and the nights are not much better. About the only thing that offers relief is a cooling dip in a pond or lake. Then as the sun sets on the western horizon, the glow of flickering embers from area campfires begins to illuminate the night sky. Welcome to summer in Texas. Although camping is a welcome adventure for family and friends, experts with Parkland Memorial Hospital’s Regional Burn Center say it is important to talk to children about campfire safety before the trip begins. But it’s not just campfires that individuals need to be cautious around. The same holds true when grilling outdoors whether in the backyard or near the lake. “Getting out of the house, cooking in the country and sleeping under the stars can be fun,” said Sarah Scoins, MSN, RN, CNS, CCRN, ACCNS-AG, Parkland’s Burn Outreach and Injury Prevention Educator. “But in the blink of an eye an accident can happen that could change your life forever.” That’s what happened in May to Wendy Martin. Looking forward to grilling an evening meal, Martin realized she was out...