Raising Awareness to Prevent Common Burn Injuries

Malia Valona loves to cook and bake. When she was 13, she was making hard candy in the kitchen. She mixed sugar and water in a glass bowl and put it in the microwave. When she took it out and placed it on the counter, it exploded. Her legs were covered with scalding syrup and shards of glass.

Malia’s burns were serious. She needed specialized care at Straub Benioff Medical Center’s Burn Care Unit, the only one of its kind in Hawai‘i. Malia spent 30 days receiving burn treatment and physical therapy to regain full range of motion. It was a long journey, but she made it through. Today, her scars are a proud reminder of her resilience.

During National Burn Awareness Week (Feb. 1-7), Straub Benioff reminds us of the importance of taking preventive actions and knowing what to do in case of a burn.

Malia Valona proudly shows off her scars with her parents, Jesse (left) and Barbara.

As Malia’s experience proves, not all burns come from open flames. The Burn Care Unit sees many cooking-related burns, which can be caused by hot oil, steam and boiling water, microwaves and more.

Many kitchen burns can be prevented with simple precautions:

• Turn pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove.
• Use a pan lid to prevent oil splatter.
• Let food cool before removing from the microwave.
• Use oven mitts or potholders for hot items.

What should you do if you are burned? If it’s serious, call 911. Minor burns can be treated with basic first aid but avoid a common misconception.

“Many people think putting ice on a burn helps to cool it off,” said Amy Chong, registered nurse and supervisor of the Burn Care Unit at Straub Benioff. “In reality, ice can cause the burn to get worse due to a lack of circulation. So remember, for burns — ice is not nice.”

Instead, Chong says cool the burn under running water for 20 minutes. Afterward, cover it with a clean bandage. If the burn worsens or becomes infected, seek medical care.

Support Straub Benioff’s Burn Care Unit

A burn injury can happen to anyone at any moment. In emergencies where expert burn care is required, the Burn Care Unit at Straub Benioff Medical Center provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art services. Established in 1983, the Burn Care Unit is the first and only one of its kind in the state and the Pacific region.  

The Burn Care Unit relies on donations for its program to support specialized equipment and advanced education opportunities. With the community’s support, the unit has been the lifesaving resource for patients from the Maui wildfires, the New Year’s fireworks explosion in Āliamanu, and more. To date, the Burn Care Unit has treated thousands of patients, whether it be a burn from hot saimin to significant bodily injuries from a house fire. To donate, go to Giving.HawaiiPacificHealth.org/Make-a-Gift/Straub-Benioff-Foundation.