SEPTEMBER is the busiest time of year for emergency doctors treating youngsters for burns.

As children return to school, doctors see a spike in the number of children admitted to Great Western Hospital’s emergency department with burns injuries.

Last September, there were 19 children for whom burns was the primary reason for attending the ED. In August, there were just five.

Last year, a total of 134 children were treated for burns – down slightly on 2015/16, when 149 children sought burns treatment.

Since 2010, almost 900 youngsters have visited emergency doctors at GWH, with burns the primary reason for their visit.

Year-to-year the number of young victims visiting GWH has remained relatively stable.

It contrasts with Sussex’s Queen Victoria Hospital, where burns specialists say they have seen an increase in the number of children being admitted to its burns unit with scalds from accidents around the home.

Last year, half of the children admitted to the East Grinstead hospital’s paediatric burns unit were treated for scalds. Tea and coffee were the main cause.

A shocking 54 per cent of the children seen by the hospital burns specialists were aged under two.

Julie Baker, paediatric ward matron at Queen Victoria Hospital, said, “Sadly we treat many children with burns injuries which are avoidable, some of which will leave life-changing scarring. We’d like to remind everyone not to carry or pass hot drinks over a child, or place them where a child can reach them.”

The British Burns Association advises anyone who burns themselves to follow their “cool, call and cover” first aid guidance.

Burns should be cooled with running water for 20 minutes, you should call for help and then cover the burn with cling film if visiting a hospital or GP.

For more first aid advice, visit: www.britishburnassociation.org.