The injuries sustained from burns due to fire pose a severe health risk in Pretoria.
This was according to Tshwane EMS spokesperson Charles Mabaso, who urged residents to take extra care in preventing such injuries.
Mabaso said the first line of protection against burns was to avoid exposure to hot materials.
“Tshwane EMS has responded to a number of fire accidents where some residents suffered burn wounds.”
The EMS team tries to raise awareness around fire and safety in communities and institutions of learning.
The prevention of burns and some basic knowledge of how to treat burns are shared during awareness campaigns.
“With load-shedding, residents tend to find alternative heating sources like gas, paraffin, coal and wood increasing the risk of suffering burns.”
Local paramedic service CERT-SA based in Centurion is also playing an important role in making sure that residents are well-informed about burn wounds.
Founder Ruan Heyns said a post the service recently shared on social media was to mainly inform residents about burns.
“We provide life-saving emergency service to the community and render emergency medical rescue,” he said.
picture : supplied
Here are additional ways you can help prevent a burn injury:
– Never smoke in bed.
– Never leave a lit space heater or fireplace unattended.
– Never use gasoline indoors and always store it in a well-ventilated area.
– Do not use a vaping device if the battery is damaged.
– Only refuel equipment like lawnmowers when the engine is cool.
– Gas and paraffin equipment must be properly turned off and safely stored.
– Wood fires must be safely extinguished.
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