Burns prevention better than cure

AS the country commemorates Burns Awareness Week, Zululanders are reminded of preventative measures which can be taken to avoid fatalities arising from burn injuries.

Ranked as one of the best units in the country, Ngwelezana Hospital’s Burn Unit deals with many cases from rural areas.

The unit, which caters to 19 hospitals between eShowe and the Mozambican border, has 23 pediatric beds and 15 adult beds, with an admission rate of more than 10%.

Headed by Dr Maheshwar Naidoo, together with plastic surgeon Dr Horacio Yzquierdo, the unit has been in operation since the late 90s.

According to Dr Naidoo, more than 25% patients are special burn victims and between 10 and 20% admissions involve major burns.

‘Burns are undoubtedly the most painful condition and flame burns are far worse,’ says Dr Naidoo.

‘We are fortunate that we do not report any non-accidental cases as a result of abuse, our biggest issue is accidental cases which can be avoided.

‘We have had burn victims as young as two months old. This is a sign of negligence of caregivers and can be prevented if the community is educated.

‘Risks are greater in rural households as most make use of fire for heat and candles for light.’

The unit which caters to victims from more than 300km away, also handles trauma cases.

Psychologists, psychologists and social workers are allocated to the unit to deal with trauma and distress.

An educational programme for schoolgoing victims are in place and they attend classes from Mondays to Fridays.

As winter creeps in, the community is advised to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the devastating effects of burns.

In case of an emergency, place the affected area under running water at room temperature for 10 minutes as this cleans, soothes and reduces the extent of the wound.

Cover the wound with Burn Shield, a commercially available product and recommended by doctors instead of a dry towel, and seek medical attention.