IN light of Burns Awareness Week (3 – 9 May), healthcare experts have issued a top five list on how to deal with burns and burn-related injuries.
Russel Meiring, ER24’s Communications Officer, said children are most at risk from suffering burns as they are more accident prone than adults.
‘One of the best methods of avoiding burn injuries is preparation and safety, said Meiring.
‘Teaching children about these dangers, and what should be done in an emergency, can mitigate these incidents and the severity of the injuries sustained.’
The most common causes of burn injuries are incidents around the home, particularly in the kitchen.
These can include spilled pots of boiling water, kettle steam, burning hands on hot stove plates or oven elements, or even spilled hot food.
What to do when suffering a burn injury:
Cool the affected area
This entails running cool, clean water over the affected area immediately after suffering the burn.
Apply dressing
Once the burn has been sufficiently cooled down, apply a sterile dressing to the area.
Seek medical treatment
Especially if the burn area is large or on a sensitive area such as the face. Medical treatment should be sought immediately.
Don’t use home remedies
Home remedies, including applying butter, shoe polish or oils, should never be used as they could cause further harm.
Do not remove clothing
Meiring advises burn sufferers not to remove clothing that is burnt onto the affected area.
It may not always be obvious at first, but if in doubt, cool the area with the clothes on and then seek medical attention.
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