Alexander Burn Center In Tulsa Already Seeing Several Burn Patients As Summer Begins

The Alexander Burn Center at Hillcrest Medical Center says it's already seeing several burn patients, and the summer is just beginning.

The burn center is the only one in the region and wants people to stay safe this summer.

"We did see multiple burn patients with fire pit or campfire burns, they thought the ash was not hot and stepped in the ash or fell in the ash," said nurse manager Kara Hall.

Hall says between boating and grilling accidents they saw several patients after Memorial Day weekend.

"We take care of the burns with their wound care, their pain control, educate them as far as good nutrition, and range of motion because we want them to be functional," she said.

She says if you get a severe burn the best thing you can do is go to the doctor because it's important to get the right treatment and protect from infections.

"We want to number one, stop the burning process, so remove the flame, or the clothing, cool it with just tepid water, never use ice, and then wrap it in a clean cloth or bandage, and seek medical treatment," she said.

The burn center has both inpatient and outpatient care, and everyone is focused on getting patients back to their normal lives.

"We have very dedicated staff that are specially trained to care for our burn patients, and we want everyone to have a safe and happy summer," she said.

Hall says another issue the burn center sees in the summer is severe sunburns.

She says you should reapply sunscreen every hour you're outside.