Do this in case of burns
“When treating burns, don’t remove burned clothing that is stuck to the body, don’t use very cold water or ice on a burn, do not apply ointments, jellies, sprays of first-aid creams to severe burns and don’t burst any blisters caused by a burn wound."
HIGHVELD- In the cold winter weather, the risk of injury from fire significantly increases.
Do you know what to do for a thermal burn?
Gas heaters and open flames in small rooms are common causes of fires in informal settlements.
Fires can spread rapidly due to flammable materials. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for emergency personnel to respond to fatal residential fires during winter.
“In many cases, ER24 paramedics treat people for smoke inhalation or severe burn injuries,” said Mr Russel Meiring, spokesman for ER24.
A Medical Research Council report estimates that every year, about 1.6-million South Africans suffer burn injuries – and most of those victims are from poorer communities.
Mr Meiring 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.
“When treating burns, don’t remove burned clothing that is stuck to the body, don’t use very cold water or ice on a burn, do not apply ointments, jellies, sprays of first-aid creams to severe burns and don’t burst any blisters caused by a burn wound.
“What you can do is to remove clothing and jewelry that has been burned, but aren’t stuck to a burn wound.
“You can 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 and seek medical care,” explained Mr Meiring.
For moderate to severe burns, you should immediately call emergency services.
Also read: Toddler dies in eMbalenhle house fire
