James Rownsley

12 Aug 2025 · Coroner Nicola Mundy · South Yorkshire East

The coroner's concerns

1. emollient creams used near open flames
“The need for effective communication to partners and stakeholders responsible for either prescribing such emollients, or indeed caring for people in the community, of the dangers of using such creams particularly when in close proximity to flames or heat”
2. lack of awareness of emollient fire risk
“An apparent lack of awareness of the both professionals and the public regarding the extent of that risk”
3. inconsistent reporting of emollient-related deaths
“since 2020 there have been 50 deaths in England involving emollient creams but there was a significant discrepancy between the data held by fire services in terms of there being 50 deaths, and the data held by Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory agency only had a record of 15”
4. heightened fire risk for vulnerable socioeconomic groups
“The risk seems to be heightened in situations where elderly persons or persons of lower income are using such methods to heat their homes to avoid the cost of putting central heating on of the entire property”