Miss Elena Blyth^1,2, Miss Caitlin Sweeting^1,2

¹University Of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, ²Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia

Abstract:

Between 2017 and 2022 three cases of contact burns involving dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) were admitted to the Stuart Pegg Burns Centre at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH).

All three cases involved the use of dry ice products used to treat musculoskeletal complaints in place of standard ice packs. In two of the three cases it was identified that the dry ice packs were obtained from meal delivery services where they are used to provide prolonged cooling during transport and delivery.

These injuries raise concerns over appropriate labelling of dry ice products for consumers given their potential to cause serious burn injuries.  In addition, the companies distributing the dry ice packs have advertised their use in a number of medical applications involving direct skin contact.

The aim of this case series is to develop a prevention poster and consumer fact sheet for dry ice burns not currently listed on the ANZBA website.

There is potential for these injuries to be prevented if companies distributing dry ice packs acknowledge the need for appropriate warning labels particularly when third party companies are involved. Furthermore, if required consider the removal of any listed applications describing direct skin contact.

Biography:

Two fourth year medical students studying at the University of Queensland who completed a 6 week elective placement at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Burns Unit.  The project was overseen and suggested by Dr Carl Lisec, Burns Consultant.