From minor discomfort to life-threatening emergencies, burn injuries are distressingly common and a major cause of death and disability in South Africa.
Mande Toubkin, general manager of emergency, trauma, transplant and corporate social investment at Netcare, highlights the preventability of many incidents and the critical role of immediate, proper first aid in the healing process.
“Common causes of burns, such as hot water, fire and electrical mishaps, highlight the necessity of proactive prevention measures,” she said.
“Children are naturally curious, and as soon as they become mobile or start walking, they begin exploring their environment. They may, for example, try to pull pots or kettles filled with boiling water down, touch hot objects like stovetops, or play with fire, matches, or candles. Unfortunately, indoor fires caused by candles or paraffin lamps left unattended and primus stove explosions are all commonplace in South Africa. We also see electrical burns fairly often,” she added.
Emphasising the role of education, Toubkin advocates for simple interventions like containing flames with sand-filled bottles and educating children on fire safety techniques. She also shared guidelines for determining burn severity and the basic do’s and don’ts of first aid, ranging from remaining calm to avoiding home remedies, which serve as crucial guidelines for effective intervention.
Do’s:
- Remain calm: Keeping a level head is crucial in any emergency.
- Extinguish flames: Teach the ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ technique, especially to children.
- Ensure safety: Prioritise safety, especially in electrical or chemical burn cases.
- Cool the burn: Run cold water over the affected area for at least 20 minutes.
- Seek medical help: Call emergency services immediately for appropriate assistance.
- Address smoke inhalation: Prompt evaluation is crucial to prevent complications.
Don’ts:
- Do not try home remedies: Avoid applying ice or oily compounds to burns.
- Do not peel blisters: Opening blisters can increase infection risk.
- Do not underestimate the severity: Consult medical professionals for proper assessment and treatment.
“Most burnt patients, even those with burns over more than 70% of their bodies, can be successfully treated and managed if admitted timeously to a specialised, multidisciplinary burns facility such as the burns unit at Netcare Milpark Hospital. However, an effective continuum of care, from the paramedics who first attend to the emergency through to final rehabilitation, is critical to achieving such positive outcomes,” said Toubkin.
“Having witnessed the plight of so many seriously injured and desperately ill patients, many of whom are young children, I urge everyone to educate themselves and their loved ones to help prevent burns. Together, we can effectively reduce and mitigate the toll of burn injuries, offering hope and healing to those in need,” Toubkin concluded.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
