The Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Wishard offers a comprehensive burn prevention program that addresses at-risk age groups.
A burn prevention fair is offered annually in the fall for Indianapolis-area school children in first, second and third grades. A variety of interactive educational activities are provided in a fun atmosphere. Burn prevention literature is given to children to take home and discuss with their parents, and children are encouraged to think of escape routes from their home in case of a fire. Smoke houses also are provided by area fire departments to give children a realistic experience of being involved in a house fire.
The burn center also provides speakers to talk about burn prevention for area elementary schools. Stop, drop and roll steps are discussed along with the need for working smoke detectors and escape plans, as well as other burn prevention topics.
In addition to addressing children, speakers also discuss burn prevention with the senior population. This service can be provided to nursing homes, senior citizen centers and retirement facilities. Nurses address the unique needs of the senior community and their increased risk for burns.
