Do’s and Don’ts of fire burns
The risk of fire injuries is significantly worse during winter as people try to keep themselves warm.
About 1.6 million South Africans suffer from burn injuries each year, according to the Medical Research Council.
The risk of fire injuries is significantly worse during winter as people try to keep themselves warm.
“Most burn injuries’ victims are from poor communities,” said Russel Meiring ER24 spokesperson.
He said this is because many people in low-income communities do not have electricity and have to rely on candles, lanterns and paraffin stoves for heat and light.
“Gas heaters and open flames in small rooms are common causes of fires in informal settlements and fires can spread rapidly due to flammable materials.
“It is not uncommon for emergency personnel to respond to fatal residential fires during winter,” he said.
READ MORE: East elderly man survives fire after gas heater explosion
Meiring provided some Do’s and Don’ts:
Do:
– Run tap water or room temperature water over the burn.
– Apply a loose, clean, dry cloth or bandage to the burned area after it has cooled down and seek medical care.
Don’t:
– Remove burnt clothing stuck to the body.
– Use very cold water or ice on a burn.
– Apply ointments, jellies, sprays of first-aid creams to treat severe burns or blisters.
Meiring said in many cases, ER24 paramedics treat people for smoke inhalation or severe burn injuries.
For moderate to severe burns, the community is urged to immediately call an ambulance service such as ER24.
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