Burn injuries are a significant risk in South Africa, with an estimated 1.6 million burn injuries occurring annually. Based on the latest population data, this translates to approximately 2,540 cases per 100,000 people per year, meaning 1 in every 39 South Africans suffers a burn injury each year.
Children under the age of 14 are particularly vulnerable, with those aged 0-5 at the highest risk. The incidence of paediatric burns is notably high, with scalds being the most common cause, followed by flame burns.
- 84% of paediatric burn injuries are due to scalding, even during the summer months.
- The upper limbs are the most commonly affected body parts.
- Severe burns (covering more than 10% of the total body surface area) are prevalent.
As our children dive back into their school routines, it’s the perfect time to empower them with knowledge about burn safety. By teaching them how to make safer choices through fun and interactive activities, we can help prevent burn injuries and keep them safe both at home and at school.
Viwe’s Voice: A Story of Resilience and Hope Amidst Tragedy
Viwe, a 3-year-old boy, got caught in the flames of a shack fire and is at the start of his recovery journey. His story is a testament to resilience and hope. Viwe’s name, meaning “To be heard,” reminds us that every child’s safety matters. You can read more about Viwe’s story .
A Tribute to Nurses, Orderlies, and Support Staff
We recognise and celebrate the tireless efforts of our nurses, orderlies, and support staff who provide ongoing care during hospitalisation for burn victims. Their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact on countless lives. You can read more about their contributions .
Interactive Ways to Teach Children About Burn Safety
Engaging children through interactive learning makes safety education enjoyable and memorable. Here are some creative methods to teach burn safety:
Storytelling Sessions
- Create a Safety Story: Collaborate with your child to write a story about a hero who prevents burn accidents. This encourages them to think critically about safety while having fun.
- Read Aloud: Share age-appropriate books that highlight burn safety themes. Discuss the stories afterwards to reinforce the lessons learned.
Role-Playing Games
- Act It Out: Practise “Stop, Drop, and Roll” together, so they know what to do if their clothes catch fire.
- Emergency Scenarios: Role-play situations where they might need to call for help, teaching them how to stay calm and provide essential information.
Arts and Crafts
- Safety Posters: Encourage your child to draw and colour posters depicting safe practices around heat and fire. Display their artwork at home or share it with their school.
- DIY Craft Projects: Create homemade oven mitts or pot holders together, emphasising the importance of using protective gear when handling hot items (with adult supervision).
Interactive Quizzes and Games
- Burn Safety Bingo: Design bingo cards with images of safe and unsafe behaviours. Play together and discuss each image as it comes up.
- Memory Games: Use pairs of cards with matching safety symbols or pictures of hot items to enhance their recall of safety concepts.
Science Experiments with Supervision
- Safe Heat Experiments: Conduct simple experiments that demonstrate how heat works, like melting ice or observing how steam rises. Always supervise closely and use these moments to talk about heat sources and precautions.
Educational Videos and Songs
- Watch and Learn: Find videos or songs that teach burn safety in an engaging way. Many resources are available online that are both entertaining and informative.
Consistency is Key
Reinforcing safety messages regularly, both at home and at school, helps children internalise the importance of burn prevention. Consistency ensures that safety becomes a natural part of their daily lives. Discuss burn safety tips frequently, integrate them into daily conversations, and collaborate with teachers to ensure the same messages are conveyed at school.
Positive Reinforcement
Praise children when they demonstrate safe behaviours. Acknowledging their efforts encourages them to continue practising safety measures. Whether they remember to stay away from hot surfaces, alert an adult about a potential hazard, or correctly perform a safety technique, positive feedback strengthens their commitment to staying safe.
Lead by Example
Children learn a great deal by observing the adults around them. Model safe practices in your daily activities. Show them how you handle hot items carefully, explain what you’re doing when you test the bathwater temperature, or demonstrate the proper way to unplug appliances. Your actions speak volumes and set a standard for them to follow.
By taking these steps, we’re not only helping to prevent burn injuries but also nurturing responsible and safety-conscious individuals.
#Back2School with #ChildSafeSA #BurnPrevention #ChildSafety
