Objectives
Fireplace-related accidents have always been a major cause of burns around the world. Although electric and gas heating have largely replaced the use of fireplaces in developed countries, it remains an important source of heating, especially in rural areas. The objective of this work was to show the population impact of burns in fireplaces, and to identify possible factors in which we can intervene to prevent these burns.

Methods
The Authors analyzed medical records of all patients admitted due to fireplace burns, in Coimbra Burns Unit, in Portugal, between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2021. These Patient’s statistics were compared with general population of the Burns Unit during the same time period. In the context of Public Health, we then identified factors that could help prevent this type of burns.

Results
During the 5 year sampling, out of 648 patients admitted for all causes of burns, 53 (8%) were due to fireplace, (27 women and 26 men), 75 % of them were 65 or older. The mortality rate in this group was 26%, (vs 9% in general group), moreover 23% of all deaths during this period were among fireplace burn patients. The average number of days of hospitalization was 32.4 days (vs 21.4 in general group). 

We identified possible risk factors involved in these accidents:
-Patient related: Advanced age/medical comorbidities (epilepsy, cardiovascular diseases, orthopedic pathology, alcoholism, diabetes) that lead to falls, difficulty in locomotion and/or loss of pain/thermal sensitivity.
-Space related: Poor ventilation, excessive smoke (due to the burning of all types of waste, wet/green wood, clogged chimneys), lack of place security (fireplaces at the same level as the floor, without grids, near flammable objects).

We suggest some measures that could be taken in prevention:
-Education of patients about the dangers of fireplaces and inner recognition of physical limitations. When possible, let them be handled by younger and less limited people.
-Periodic ventilation of the airspace, cleaning the chimneys, burning dry wood only.
-Removal of objects near the fireplace perimeter, store firewood in a separate room.
-Installation of closed heat exchangers above the fireplace.
-Use of alternative heating sources.

Conclusion
We were able to perceive that burns in fireplaces occur mainly in the elderly population, require longer hospital stay and have a higher mortality rate. This knowledge must be shared with primary care doctors and the general population, so that we can adapt measures to prevent these accidents.

P.086 Prevention of Fireplace related Burns: based on a 5-year review of a major Burn Center

Dear friends and colleagues,

We will be pleased to welcome you in Turin (Italy) for the 19th European Burns Association´s Congress in 2022. Italy is honored to hold the meeting of the European Burns Association for the second time, after Verona in 1995. Turin is easily reachable from everywhere in Europe, either travelling by car, train or choosing flight connections. During the meeting, held in the renewed industrial center of the main Italian historical automotive factory (i.e. Lingotto-FIAT), we will meet international burn specialists, focusing on standards of care, progresses in burn treatment, strategies to face disaster situations, with a special attention to education of younger colleagues. However, in your spare time, you might enjoy the sweet days of Italian late summer, simply wandering in the green parks and gardens along the two rivers which cross the city, or you might decide to discover the numerous art galleries, churches, palaces, libraries, walking across elegant squares and large boulevards, passing through centuries of art and history; finally, you may choose to immerse yourself in some of the most exciting museum experiences, such as the Cinema Museum and the Turin’s Egyptian museum.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Turin for the 19th European Association´s Congress in 2022!
Maurizio Stella, Congress President, Turin Burn Centre