On the scene tips for burn victims
JOBURG – For moderate to severe burns, you should immediately call emergency services.
As South Africa goes deeper into winter, the risk of fires in people’s homes also increases.
According to a statement released by ER24, this is a reality for homes in suburbs and less privileged homes in informal settlements while fatalities are common. ‘It is not uncommon for emergency personnel to respond to fatal residential fires during winter. In many cases, ER24 paramedics treat people for smoke inhalation or severe burn injuries,’ the statement read.
ER24 revealed that a Medical Research Council report estimated that about 1.6 million South Africans suffered burn injuries annually. Unfortunately, most of these victims were from poorer communities as many did not have electricity and have to rely on candles, lanterns and paraffin stoves for heat and light. ER24 explained, ‘Gas heaters and open flames in small rooms are common causes of fires in informal settlements and fires can spread rapidly due to the flammable materials.’
ER24 provided the following dos and don’ts in the event that any members of the public needed to attend to a burn victim at home during the lockdown:
Don’t
- Remove burned clothing that is stuck to the body
- Use very cold water or ice on a burn
- Apply ointments, jellies, sprays of first-aid creams to severe burns
- Burst blisters.
Do
- Remove clothing and jewellery that has been burned
- Run tap water or room temperature water over the burn
- Apply a loose, clean, dry cloth or bandage to the burned area after it has cooled and seek medical care.
For moderate to severe burns, you should immediately call emergency services. ER24 has welcomed the public to call them for assistance on such issues and any other medical emergencies.
Details: ER24 084 124.
