The high electricity cost in our country has prompted many people to make use of open fires for cooking and heating, and in informal settlements fires are often the only source of heating. Unfortunately, every winter we hear about fires getting out of hand and people getting burnt.

Types of burns

Burns are classified according to their depth and not the extent of the burns or even the intensity of the pain they cause. First-degree burns involve only the outer layer of the skin, second-degree burns several layers of the skin and third-degree burns all the layers and sometimes also the tissue and organs underneath the skin. Sometimes all three degrees appear on one person.

Treatment for burns

Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention. When there is any uncertainty about the degree of a burn, if a second-degree burn is more than 2.5 cm in diameter or when it involves the face, hands, feet or genitals, a health professional must be consulted.

For minor burns:

    • Run cold tap water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes to lower the skin temperature and lessen the severity of the burn
    • Remove clothing and jewellery in the vicinity of the burn
    • Don’t cover the burn with salve, butter, grease, oil or ointment as these may cause infection of the skin. Avoid anything unsterile, including hands, to touch the skin
    • Don’t break any blisters to prevent infection
    • If the burnt skin is rubbed by clothing, a sterile gauze can be placed on the burn and the gauze taped down far from the burnt skin
    • A mild pain reliever can be taken for a day or two.

Prevention of home fires

Chubb gives the following advice to prevent fires at home −and you are well advised to follow it:

    • Never leave fires, candles or any form of naked flame in the home unattended and ensure candles are secure before lighting
    • Never leave children around fires, candles or matches unsupervised
    • Keep a fire blanket and suitable extinguisher handy in the kitchen. A fire blanket is able to smother flames either on a person or on a stove. Most reputable fire organisations sell home safety fire-fighting kits
    • Avoid wearing baggy clothes while cooking and around heaters, candles and open fires
    • Never smoke in bed and ensure that all cigarettes and candles are extinguished before retiring for the night
    • In case of a fire, have a plan. Make sure you have more than one escape route should your route become blocked
    • If you have gas, oil or coal-burning appliances, ensure your home is properly ventilated and equipment is regularly serviced and maintained
    • Turn off portable heaters, as well as gas and electric fires before going to bed
    • If you have an open fire make sure the fire guard is secure and in place
    • Keep heaters away from furniture and curtains
    • Use your common sense.

 

Sources
Chubb.co.za
Healthwise Handbook,1998. Boise, Idaho