Winter means ‘burn’ season – know how to react
Would you know what to do if someone was badly burned?
WINTER is here.
Along with the cold weather comes an increase in burn wounds as citizens light Primus stoves, candles, heating fires and switch on elemental heaters to warm their homes.
Let us look at the open flames first: Not only do they have a danger of falling over and setting the place alight while you are sleeping, but they are also a problem as they give off carbon monoxide that could be fatal if there is no ventilation in the room.
Heaters, if placed too close to any combustible material, can radiate enough heat to set tablecloths, curtains and bed linen alight.
‘If this happens while the household is sleeping, you stand a chance of not only sustaining severe burns, but of being fatally overcome by the toxic fumes in the smoke,’ says Chris Botha of Netcare 911.
Take precautions by ensuring that the area in which you are using open flames is well ventilated, and that the flames are extinguished before you go to sleep.
When using candles make sure that they are in a safe candle holder that cannot fall over and ensure it is placed away from any combustible materials.
When using heaters, place them away from any material that could catch fire.
Don’t hang clothes over them to dry and rather switch them off before you go to sleep.
‘Help! I have been burned!’
DO NOT put butter, oil or ointment on burns
DO NOT remove clothing that is stuck to the burn
DO NOT use fridge water or ice on burned skin, as this can cause more damage
DO NOT break open blisters, as this allows germs entry to the wound
DO NOT assume that a burn is ‘minor’, as small burns can be extremely dangerous depending on the location, age or medical status of the patient
DO run tap water or room temperature water over the burn wound
DO cover the wound with a dry, clean dressing and seek assistance
DO remove clothing if it is soaked with hot fluid or chemicals
DO remove metal jewellery around the area of the burn
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