Health Department warns of winter burn risks and urges fire safety
According to the World Health Organisation, burns account for about 180 000 deaths annually, with most occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) urges residents to be extra cautious to prevent burn injuries, which are more prevalent during the colder months.
Heaters, open flames, paraffin stoves and other informal heating methods, particularly in townships, informal settlements and hostels, significantly increase the risk of household fires and burn injuries.
According to the World Health Organisation, burns account for about 180 000 deaths annually, with most occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
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Locally, it is estimated that 3.2% of the SA population sustains burns each year, with children, the elderly and people living in underdeveloped or overcrowded conditions the most affected.
Furthermore, a study at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery in February 2023, revealed that children under 10 accounted for 85% of paediatric burn admissions between 2015 and 2019.
The leading causes were hot water burns (69%) and flame burns (21%), with most incidents occurring in the home, often when young children were left unsupervised around boiling water or open flames.
“The department uses this period to intensify public education efforts, encouraging safer winter habits and improving knowledge on how to quickly and effectively respond to burn injuries.
“The GDoH urges residents to follow basic fire safety precautions to reduce the risk of injuries. These include never leaving an open flame unattended, keeping flammable items like blankets and curtains away from heat sources, and ensuring stoves and heaters are on stable surfaces.
“Children should always be kept away from fires and heating devices, and always switch off all heating equipment before going to sleep,” said GDoH spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.
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Households are encouraged to develop fire safety plans and share safety tips within their communities.
If a burn injury occurs, immediate and proper first aid can make a life-saving difference. The affected area should be cooled under clean, running water for at least 20 minutes.
“Never apply ice, butter, toothpaste or traditional home remedies because they could worsen the injury.
“Instead, cover the area with clean, non-fluffy cloth or cling wrap, and the patient should seek urgent medical attention, especially for deep burns or burns affecting the face, hands, feet or other sensitive areas of the body.
“The department remains committed to raising awareness and strengthening early intervention efforts to reduce burn injuries across the province.
“As the cold season deepens, let us work together to stay warm in safer ways and protect our families, especially children, from preventable harm.”
