Clarkston, Washington – Woman Hospitalized for Serious Burn Injuries After Falling Into Fire Pit

Clarkston, Washington  (February 25, 2020) – A woman was hospitalized for burn injuries after she fell into a  fire at a residence on 11100 block of Walden Lane on Tuesday night. According to the article from The Lewiston Tribune, 50 year-old Tobie Ruark from Clarkston was transported to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was later airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where she is listed in critical condition and is being treated in an intensive care unit.

According to information from the Asotin County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. Lewiston medics, along with crews from the Asotin County Fire District and deputies from the Sheriff’s office responded to the scene.

About Burn Injuries

According to information from the World Health Organization, burn injuries are caused when cells in the skin or other tissues are destroyed, usually through heat, or by contact with radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction or chemicals. Regardless of the cause, burn injuries are painful, and in severe cases can lead to other complications or even death. Children and women are said to be more susceptible to burns, especially in cases of house fires. In spite of these grim statistics, it is important to keep in mind that burns are also preventable.

The first and most important step in preventing burns is to assess the area for dangers and try to lower the hazard. For example, most burns happen in kitchens due to the number of hazards in the area, such as fires from cooking stoves or the presence of hot liquids while cooking. By ensuring that cooking equipment is in good quality and using caution around hot liquids, one can prevent burns from happening. When it comes to children, guardians should take care to supervise their actions, especially if they are playing with dangerous items such as fireworks. While preventing burn injuries simply comes down to being cautious, one should also know what to do in case of burn injuries. First aid for burn injuries consists of pouring cool water over the burn (provided it’s not an open wound) and wrapping the injury in a clean cloth before transporting the victim to a medical facility for treatment. Having the knowledge to deal with burns can help ensure not only one’s safety but also the safety of others.

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