April Barker
With the holiday weekend upon us, many people will be spending time around campfires and bonfires. But as one local man found out- if you're not careful, fun times around the fire can end with a trip to the emergency room.
Relaxing around a bonfire is a great way to spend a summer night, but if you're not careful it can also be dangerous.
Just ask Heath Schnaible of Sandown, New Hampshire.
Memorial Day weekend, he was enjoying his backyard fire pit when things took a turn for the worst.
Heath Schnaible, fell into fire pit
"I know I came down, and I guess I hit the rock, and right over I went."
Heath tripped and fell into the fire, suffering second and third degree burns on his arm, back and legs.
He was raced to Mass General, and to his surprise, he found out he wasn't the only one!
Mary Liz Bilodeau, RN, ACNP/MGH Burn Service
"We had 3 admitted on Memorial Day that had fallen into fire pits."
Mass General says these type of fire pit accidents are very common in the summer months.
They say the best prevention is to be extra careful.
Mary Liz Bilodeau, RN, ACNP/MGH Burn Service
"In no way shape or form should anyone be drinking around a bonfire."
And when an accident happens- get help immediately.
Mary Liz Bilodeau, RN, ACNP/MGH Burn Service
"Call 911, they should get wrapped up in warm blankets, never use ice on a burn."
As for Heath- he's learned an important lesson.
Heath Schnaible, fell into fire pit
"You don't even think about falling into a fire pit, that's the furthest thing from your mind, but once it happens it's the first thing on your mind."
We want to point out that Heath wasn't drinking when he fell into his fire pit- but Mass General says that alcohol is often a factor in these type of accidents.
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