Introduction: Our experience in Victoria is that burns related to petrol fires are a preventable major cause of injury. The explosive ignition that makes petrol so valuable as a fuel can cause injuries when handled carelessly. The authors believe these injuries could be prevented with better consumer education and regulation of petrol use.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined the epidemiology of patients admitted to the Victorian Adult Burns Service (VABS) over a seven-year period.
Results: During the study period, 378 out of 1927 burns admissions (19.6%) were related to petrol use. Males aged 20–29 years were most at risk, contributing to 25.4% of petrol-related burn injuries. Alcohol was a factor involved in 21.2% of cases. The mean total body surface area (TBSA) burnt in this cohort was 19.3%, and surgery was required in 70.4% of cases. Petrol-related burn injuries are estimated to cost AU$5,484,834 annually and have a mortality rate of 7.4%.
Conclusion: Misuse of petrol contributes to a substantial injury burden for Victoria. Approximately 20% of admissions to The Alfred Burns Unit are petrol related, 70% needed surgery and nearly 7.4% of these patients die. Raising community awareness through preventive strategies targeted at high-risk groups and highlighting risky behaviours is warranted to reduce the incidence of petrol-related burn injuries.