How to prevent burns

The Stop the Burn Campaign for Winter 2015 was recently launch and in a statement Dr Nikki Allorto, a specialist surgeon, says burns account for 12% of all fatal accidents and are the most common cause of death in children less than four years old.

Statistics shows that 3.2% of the population is burnt annually.

That is 1.6-million burn injuries every year of which 0.2% is severe, meaning 268 people are severely burnt every month across the country.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the devastating effects of burns in SA.

Nikki says to reduce burn injuries and their associated complications by encouraging caregivers, parents and the community to be more vigilant in the home to prevent fires and scalds and to know first aid.

Precautions
Take care around fires, gas heaters and other appliances used to keep warm.

Be alert and to educate children.

Keep kettles, matches and lighters out of reach of children.

Injuries
The severity is usually second to third degree burns depending on what the child was burnt with.

The most common burns among children are hot water and fire.

Common causes of fires at home include heaters and candles that are left unattended and overloaded plug points an.

Tip: Candles should be placed in a container with water.

Fires increase during winter and gas heaters and open flames in small rooms are the common causes of fires.

Tip: Serious burn wounds should be treated by professionals, but for minor burns, run cool tap water over the burn for at least 10 to 20 minutes.

What not to do:
* Do not pop or remove blisters.
* Do not put ice on the burn/s.
* Do not use home remedies like coffee, butter, toothpaste, mustard, soy sauce and milk. The patient stands a greater chance of infection and further wound damage if these substances are used.
What to do:
* Rinse the burn wound under clean cool running water.
* Seek medical attention or advice.

Call the ER24 Emergency Contact Centre on 084 124 for assistance with medical advice if unsure.