South African Burn Society

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South African Burn Society We are a professional society dedicated to prevention of burn injury, promotion of comprehensive bur Established in 1976.

Improving the lives of those affected by burn injury
through patient care, education, research & advocacy.

Last weekend the SABS team presented our first EMSB trainers’ course in many years. We are proud to say we have 15 addit...
25/05/2025

Last weekend the SABS team presented our first EMSB trainers’ course in many years.

We are proud to say we have 15 additional EMSB trainers!

We are looking forward to hosting many more EMSB courses in the future and improve burn care in South Africa! 🔥

SAVE THE DATEFor the South African Burns Society’s conference!  Taking place on the 14-16th of November 2025📍PretoriaThe...
15/05/2025

SAVE THE DATE

For the South African Burns Society’s conference!

Taking place on the 14-16th of November 2025

📍Pretoria

Theme: Blooming Together- shaping the future of Burn Care

BURNS FIRST AID1. Stop the Burning Process • Remove the person from the source of the burn (fire, hot liquid, electricit...
06/05/2025

BURNS FIRST AID

1. Stop the Burning Process
• Remove the person from the source of the burn (fire, hot liquid, electricity, etc.).
• Ensure the area is safe for you and the injured person.

2. Cool the Burn
• Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10–20 minutes.
• Alternatively, apply a cool, wet cloth.
• Do not use ice — it can damage the skin further.

3. Remove Tight Items
• Gently remove jewelry, clothing, or shoes from the area before it swells.
• Do not remove anything stuck to the burn.

4. Protect the Burn
• Cover with a clean, non-stick, dry dressing, sterile cloth or clean plastic like cling wrap
• Avoid using fluffy cotton or adhesive bandages directly on the burn.

5. Relieve Pain
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as:
• Paracetamol
• Follow dosage instructions on the packaging.

6. Seek medical advice
• Go to your local clinic, GP or accident and emergency unit so that the burn can be properly assessed and treated.

❌ Do NOT ❌
• Do not apply butter, toothpaste, oils, or ice.
• Do not pop blisters.

1. Create a “Kid-Free Zone” • Designate a space (at least 1 metre around the stove or oven) where children are not allow...
05/05/2025

1. Create a “Kid-Free Zone”
• Designate a space (at least 1 metre around the stove or oven) where children are not allowed while cooking.

2. Turn Pot Handles Inward
• Always turn pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove to prevent accidental tipping.

3. Use Back Burners When Possible
• Use the back burners of the stove to keep hot surfaces out of children’s reach.

4. Keep Hot Items Out of Reach
• Place hot foods, drinks, and appliances (like coffee makers) well away from the edge of counters and tables.

5. Avoid Holding Children While Cooking
• Don’t carry a child and hot food or drinks at the same time to prevent spills.

6. Use Stove Guards and K**b Covers
• Install guards to block access to stove burners and use k**b covers to prevent kids from turning on the stove.

7. Be Cautious with Microwave Use
• Supervise children using microwaves. Test heated foods and drinks yourself, as they can heat unevenly.

8. Teach Safety Early
• Teach children about the dangers of hot surfaces and liquids in age-appropriate ways.

9. Keep Appliances and Cords Secure
• Keep appliance cords out of reach and unplug appliances when not in use.

10. Store Matches and Lighters Safely
• Keep these out of reach and in locked cabinets.

Every year, thousands of adults and children  suffer from burns and scalds in South Africa—most of them are  preventable...
05/05/2025

Every year, thousands of adults and children suffer from burns and scalds in South Africa—most of them are preventable. This week, we’re shining a light on burn safety, first aid, and prevention tips.
Let’s spread awareness and save lives.

Are you a health care worker eager to advance your knowledge on burns? 🔥Then join us for our EMSB course 🙌            co...
20/11/2024

Are you a health care worker eager to advance your knowledge on burns? 🔥

Then join us for our EMSB course 🙌

course

Join is for our 3rd Webinar on Wednesday 28 August 2024 . Dr Yentl Gamiet, Paediatric Surgeon, will share insights into ...
22/08/2024

Join is for our 3rd Webinar on Wednesday 28 August 2024 .

Dr Yentl Gamiet, Paediatric Surgeon, will share insights into the acute management of Paediatric Burn Injuries in our South African setting.

Everyone and anyone is welcome!

Register for the webinar via the link in our bio.

See you there!

Dear SABS Members and Friends,We are pleased to announce our second Webinar. An update on Burn Management aimed at candi...
03/07/2024

Dear SABS Members and Friends,

We are pleased to announce our second Webinar. An update on Burn Management aimed at candidates for the FCS Intermediate Exam. Presented by Dr. .

All healthcare professionals are welcome to attend.

The webinar will be hosted on Microsoft Teams, on Wednesday 10 July 2024 @ 18:00.

Dear SABS Members and Friends,We are pleased to announce the launch of our Webinar series, beginning with an insightful ...
15/06/2024

Dear SABS Members and Friends,

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Webinar series, beginning with an insightful session on Burn Management presented by Dr. .

This presentation is designed to assist FCS Final Candidates in their exam preparation.
Although the primary audience is FCS Final Candidates, all healthcare professionals are welcome to attend.

The webinar will be hosted on Microsoft Teams, on Wednesday 19 June 2024 @ 18:00.

Meeting ID: 945 210 259 854 2
Passcode: byGxje

Dr Hettie le Roux is a dedicated medical professional with a strong foundation in pediatric surgery. She obtained her me...
27/05/2024

Dr Hettie le Roux is a dedicated medical professional with a strong foundation in pediatric surgery. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Stellenbosch in 2017. She then completed her internship at New Somerset Hospital and her Community Service year + a year as Medical Officer at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

During her time at Red Cross she worked in Paediatric Surgery and the Paediatric Burns Unit - where she realised the great extend of the impact burn injuries have on children.

This experience ignited her passion for paediatric surgery and burn injury care, shaping her professional trajectory.

Currently serving as a Medical Officer in the Paediatric Surgical Unit at Frere Hospital in East London, Hettie continues to channel her time and compassion to provide exemplary care to her young patients. Her commitment to improving the lives of children through surgical intervention and burn injury management underscores her dedication to the medical profession.

Mrs Mereille Pursad qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2004 and has been managing the division of Occupational Th...
27/05/2024

Mrs Mereille Pursad qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2004 and has been managing the division of Occupational Therapy at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital since September 2008.

She holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy from the University of Stellenbosch (2001 – 2004). She has completed a certification in lymphedema management and wound care.

She treats a variety of paediatric patients, predominantly those who have had plastic and reconstructive surgery, burns and congenital hand injuries.

Mereille has been serving on EXCO for South African Society of Hand Therapists for the past few years. She has a strong passion for education and empowering other therapists and clinicians.

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