CLEVELAND, Ohio – A concerning trend has emerged among children in Northeast Ohio who are sustaining severe injuries, and in some tragic cases, even losing their lives due to dangerous TikTok fire challenges. Dr. Casey Kohler, a trauma surgeon at MetroHealth Hospital’s burn center, has witnessed the devastating effects of these social media trends firsthand.
Dr. Kohler revealed that she has treated numerous patients who attempted various incendiary challenges popularized online. “I’ve had patients die,” she stated, highlighting the severe risk associated with these challenges. Unfortunately, many cases go unreported as young participants often feel embarrassed about failing a TikTok challenge.
One particularly alarming trend involves users pouring rubbing alcohol on their skin and setting it ablaze. The challenge has proven deadly, with many participants suffering severe burns that are difficult to extinguish. “Oh yeah, many,” Dr. Kohler responded when asked if she has treated children with third-degree burns from these challenges.
Beyond fire challenges, other hazardous activities, such as electrical and boiling water challenges, have also led to injuries. Dr. Kohler recounted a scenario where a child was burned after accidentally touching an exposed plug with a penny, while another incident involved a girl who sustained burns when boiling water was thrown into the air during freezing weather, only to be blown back towards her by the wind.
Recovering from such severe burns is a long and painful journey. Victims typically face a recovery timeline that is directly proportional to the percentage of their body that is burned, requiring extensive hospital stays and ongoing medical treatment. “For every percent that you’re burned, expect to spend one day in the hospital,” noted Dr. Kohler.
The impact of burn injuries extends beyond immediate physical damage; victims are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer and may require lifelong treatment, including laser therapy and additional surgeries.
Dr. Kohler and other experts are urging caution and have offered valuable advice for anyone who suffers a burn: immediately remove any hot substance and clothing from the injury, cool the area with water for at least 20 minutes, and avoid applying ice directly to the burn.
Despite the serious nature of these injuries, Dr. Kohler believes that the appeal of such challenges will persist as long as videos showcasing exciting but dangerous stunts continue to circulate online. “As long as there’s videos showing something that’s potentially cool and interesting with fire, people are going to try it,” she cautioned.
The grim reality surrounding TikTok challenges prompts a necessary conversation about safety and the well-being of young social media users. Awareness and education about the very real dangers of participating in such trends could save lives.