As National Burns Awareness Week comes to an end, organisations for children’s safety hope to highlight the impact of burns on children. According to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, it is the leading cause of unnatural deaths among children under nine years old.
The hospital highlighted the impact of burns on children ahead of the winter months, during which it says admission statistics for children being burned rise. It says this is linked to the use of paraffin stoves, candles and fires.
According to a statement by the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, South Africa faces a high burden of pediatric burns. It says estimates suggest 1 in every 1666 children suffer burns annually.
“Burn injuries happen in an instant and can have a life-long physical, emotional, and financial impact, not only on the patient but on their families and communities too.”
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ChildSafe South Africa says caregivers should educate themselves on the dangers of the things that cause burns. Executive director, Zaitoon Rabaney, says knowing these things is essential to burn prevention.
“We urge parents, caregivers, and communities to take simple yet effective precautions to prevent burns and ensure prompt medical attention when accidents occur, reinforce the risk and speak to children about the dangers of candles, matches, kettles, and hot bath water.”
ChildSafe SA has a guide on how to respond to burns.
It includes:
- Stopping the Burning Process
- Applying Cool Running Water (adapt this for distressed children by using a wet cloth as an alternative)
- Covering the Cooled Burn
- Seek immediate medical assistance
Meanwhile, the Children’s Hospital Trust says children affected in remote areas are often at risk of developing infections. This is due to the long waiting times when seeking medical assistance. The organisation’s Chantel Cooper says the delays in receiving the necessary treatment also prolong recovery.
Cooper hopes its Burn Project will provide the necessary intervention.
“We want to strengthen burns services for children in the Western Cape to ensure earlier intervention, improve overall outcomes and reduce the burden on families who do not reside near Cape Town.”
