Before 2009, Kern County residents in need of specialized burn care had to travel more than 100 miles — either north to Fresno or south to Los Angeles — for treatment. That all changed when San Joaquin Community Hospital (SJCH) partnered with Los Angeles-based Grossman Burn Centers (GBC) (link to their website) to bring a full-treatment burn center to Bakersfield. Now, all residents — from kindergarteners to firefighters — can have piece of mind knowing the best burn care is right here in their hometown.

The Grossman Burn Center at SJCH Provides:

• Full-treatment burn care at our 4-bed inpatient center.
• Outpatient care at The Aera Clinic.
• State-of-the-art technology, including a hydrotherapy suite.
• World-renowned caregivers and plastic surgeons.
• Ongoing support groups and psychological care.
• Community education on burn prevention and treatment.
• Financial assistance for child burn victims through The Chevron Fund.

If you are burned, it is important to act fast. Burns can get worse in the first 24 hours. Follow these steps and seek further treatment if the burn worsens.

• Cool the burn with cool or room temperature water for 15-20 minutes.
• Don’t pop blisters.
• Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth.
• Wash wound gently with mild soap and water, especially if blister bursts.

Do not put butter, toothpaste, mayonnaise, ointments or anything similar on the burn. These keep the heat in which can make a burn worse.

Contact the GBC at SJCH...

• If pain, swelling or redness increases.
• If you get a fever.
• If the burn is bigger than the palm of your hand.
• If the burn looks white or leathery.
• For any chemical or electrical burn.
• For any burn to the hands feet, genitals or other major body parts.

The GBC at SJCH is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, please call 869-6135.

Sadly, most burns happen in the place that’s supposed to be the safest — your home. Here are some things you can do to protect your family.

Around the house:

• Keep fire exits clear
• Store flammable materials in safe places away from ignition sources.
• Keep matches and lighters in a safe place.
• Unplug electrical tools when not in use.
• Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home.
• Check your water heater temperature; it should be set to medium or no higher than 120 degrees.

In the kitchen:

• Do not cook if you have been drinking alcohol or are drowsy.
• Stay close to the stove when it is in use; turn off burner if you leave.
• In case of an oven fire, turn off oven and leave the door closed.
• Keep dishtowels, curtains and potholders away from the stove.
• Wear tight sleeves; loose clothing can easily catch fire.
• In case of a pan fire, cover pan with a lid. Do not put out with water or flour.

If you have kids:

• Keep them out of the kitchen. Always make sure pot handles are turned inward and keep dishes away from countertop edges.
• Keep appliance cords out of reach.
• Check the bath water with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely to hot for your child.
• Never leave a child unattended in the bathtub.

In the event of an electrical burn, make sure it is safe before you help:

• If possible, turn off the electrical current or use something that does not conduct electricity — such as a pole or board — to push the person off.
• Lay the victim down and call for help. Do not move the victim.
• Obtain medical attention as soon as possible. 

If your clothes catch on fire:

• Stop, do not run.
• Drop to the ground.
• Roll over and over until the fire goes out.
• Cool the burn quickly with water.
• Call 9-1-1.