March 8, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Space Heater Burns Woman After Fall

A Shreveport woman sustained burn injuries from a space heater she was pinned against after a morning fall left her unable to move. Story and safety tips...

Shreveport firefighters responding to 543 Kemper Street said 72-year-old Jessie Wright had fallen sometime around 10:00 a.m. and lay on the home’s bathroom floor, close to the heater, for several hours before being found. A neighborhood friend discovered Wright and contacted 911 just after 2:00 p.m.

Paramedics treated Wright for what were described as spotty second degree burns to her back as well as injuries she sustained in the fall. The heater was a small, free standing gas-powered unit, common in most older homes in the area.

If someone you know sustains a serious burn, second and third degree, here is what you can do to help:

• Rinse the burn area with water for 3-5 minutes.

• Cut off clothes and remove jewelry.
• Cover the person with a sheet or blanket.
• Call 911. Get medical attention immediately.
• Never apply ointment and salves, margarine/butter, creams or spray - these may increase pain.
• Never put ice or ice water on the burn.

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