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, underscores 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 says.
“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.”
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 shares 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.
Understanding burn severity
Highlighting the determining factors of burn severity, Toubkin stresses the critical need for tailored treatment and timely access to specialised care.
- Superficial partial thickness (first-degree burns): Typically heals with minimal scarring.
- Deep partial thickness (second-degree burns): Seek medical advice for severe pain and blistering.
- Deep thickness (third-degree burns): Require immediate medical attention due to extensive damage.
Do’s and don'ts of first aid for burns
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.
Burns prevention tips
- Adjust geyser temperatures to prevent scalding.
- Control bathwater temperature to avoid burns.
- Keep hot appliances out of children's reach.
- Maintain fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
- Exercise caution with flammable substances and heat sources.
- Do not use liquid accelerants to start fires.
- Ensure electrical safety and responsible smoking habits.
"Most burns 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,” adds 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,” concludes Toubkin.
More about the Netcare Milpark Hospital Burns Unit
The Netcare Milpark Hospital burns unit, established in August 2008, is a premier centre of excellence equipped to handle the most challenging burn cases. With eight private isolation rooms, including ICU beds and a dedicated burns theatre, the unit emphasises the importance of isolating patients to prevent infections within a level I accredited trauma centre. Patients from across the country and throughout the African continent are referred to this state-of-the-art facility for specialised care, showcasing its profound impact on the lives of burn patients.
Ends
Notes to editors
Experience seamless healthcare access with the Netcare App. Enjoy convenient healthcare anytime, anywhere, with expert medical care at your fingertips. Book appointments, consult with GPs virtually and manage pre-admissions all in one place. From emergency response services with geolocation to seamless admission, discover a new level of care. Download the Netcare App today.
Alternatively, contact Netcare Appointmed on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 to 17:00 to make an appointment with a therapist, doctor or specialist practising at a Netcare hospital, Netcare Medicross or Netcare Akeso facility near you.
For media enquiries, contact MNA at the contact details listed below.
Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare
For media enquiries contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster or Clementine Forsthofer
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]