A Hove fire safety adviser’s life-saving idea is about to be shared across East Sussex.
Karen Calnan, a community safety adviser in Hove, painted life-like scalding injuries on a doll.
Her idea was a response to the growing number of under-fives who are suffering from scalding.
Ms Calnan uses the doll in her work for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service as she explains dangers in the home.
She said: “I painted the doll myself.
“As we work as community safety advisers we are aware of safety advice surrounding burns and scalds.
“We also know there is an increasing number of scalding injuries with under-fives.
“These are caused for a number or reasons, including by hot drinks, hair straighteners and at bath time.
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“The reason I went for the doll is because you can use graphic pictures but people can often shy away from these.
“However, with the doll, people will look at it and talk about it.
“I have been taking the doll to children’s centres and different groups to discuss with parents ways to prevent burns and scalds to crawlers and toddlers.
“I explain how to prevent accidents in the home and what to do if an accident does happen.
“Hot drinks are still the biggest problem and it is imperative to make sure you keep them away from children.
“Do not sit children on a kitchen worktop and do not hold a hot drink while holding a baby.
“Even after 15 minutes of making a cup tea it can still scald a child.”
Ms Calnan took professional advice from the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, which is known for its work with burns patients.
