Hospital team visits primary school in Olievenhoutbosch for burn awareness week

Olievenhoutbosch primary school received visitors from Kalafong hospital in commemoration of national Burns Awareness Week on May 19.

The Awareness week ran from May 5-12 and hospital communication officer Given Makhuvele said learners were educated on the importance of burn safety.

“The aim this year is to drive greater awareness among the communities of Atteridgeville and Olievenhoutbosch about burn prevention and first aid treatment for burns. These areas were chosen due to the high incidence of burn injuries in both adults and paediatrics that are admitted to Kalafong provincial tertiary hospital,” said Makhuvele.

“It is important to host this event in the early winter months as we see a significant increase in hospital admissions. By working together as an multidisciplinary team and community in finding solutions by creating awareness, we hope to drastically lower the prevalence of burn injuries,” Makhuvele continued.

The Kalafong multidisciplinary team, consisting of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dieticians, speech therapists, social workers, doctors and nurses was warmly welcomed with a song by the principal, staff and learners during assembly.

The awareness education session took 30 minutes, whereby the team educated learners and staff about burn awareness and prevention.

The learners were quizzed and could win prizes for giving correct answers. Music and dancing were enjoyed by all.

Some of the more common burns that Kalafong treats include scald burns, open flame burns, electrical burns and chemical burns.

Some preventive measures for these types of burns include:

Scald Burn Safety

Many scald burns happen during cooking, eating and bathing but there are other ways we can get burned from hot liquids.

– Turn pot handles inward when cooking on the stove.

– Allow food and drinks to cool down before carrying, eating, serving, drinking.

– Keep young children away from the stove.

– When frying, use a pot lid to prevent oil splatter.

– Check the water temperature before getting into the bath or basin.

Tips in case of a burn wound:

– stay calm
– stop the burn: stop, drop and roll if your clothes are on fire
– take off your clothes if they are soaked with hot liquids or chemicals
– remove the burned clothing, nappies and jewellery. If it’s stuck, then leave it
– cool the burn:
– use cool running water on the burned areas
– do not use ice or cold water
– clean the burn: keep the area clean and do not apply creams, ointments, butter, eggs, toothpaste, sprays or home remedies
– wrap the burn: cover the burn with cling film or a clean, dry cloth or towel
– call for help and go to the nearest hospital.

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