Burn injuries can leave victims with both physical and mental pain. Many burn injuries are accidental and are very common, especially in the dry winter seasons, but preventative care can reduce the chances of an incident occurring. Here are some organisations that support burn survivors.

Avela Foundation

The Avela Foundation is a non-pro?t organisation committed to helping children with burn injuries on their road to physical and psychological recovery. This organisation empowers and supports children to become mentors to other burn survivors. You can contact them at info@avelafoundation.com and +27 72 733 1750.

South African Burn Society

South African Burn Society is a professional society dedicated to the prevention of burn injury, and the promotion of burn care. The society aims to improve the lives of those affected by a burn injury through patient care, education, research, and advocacy. You can contact the organisation on 083-536-6806 and saburnsociety@gmail.com.

Child of Fire

Children of Fire is Africa’s first burns charity and is dedicated to sourcing medical treatment for young burn survivors, as well as promoting their emotional development. Over the years, the charity has helped hundreds of children and their families from across Africa deal with the often-devastating consequences of injuries caused by burns. You can follow the organisation on Twitter or contact them on +27 11 726 6529.

Hero Burn Foundation

Hero Burn Foundation supports burn survivors in need and creates burn awareness. The organisation is dedicated to promoting the prevention of burns through burn awareness education and initiatives. They also support burn survivors and their families. You can contact them on 082 902 1133.

National Burn Association SA (NBASA)

The National Burn Association SA, was formerly known as the Thandi Foundation. The organisation promotes Burn Safety Awareness and Emotional Rehabilitation of Burn Survivors. NBASA raises awareness to prevent deaths, injuries, and property loss due to fires and burns. They also offer emotional support to those affected by burns through support groups. You can follow NBASA on Facebook and Twitter.

Tips to prevent burn injuries this winter

• Never leave candles, paraffin lamps, electrical heaters with exposed elements, and open fires unattended.
• Don’t sleep with a candle or heater on.
• Be alert to prevent injury from spills when carrying hot water.
• In case of burns, run cold water first into a bath and add hot water only afterwards.
• Never leave children alone with an open fire, candle, paraffin lamp, electrical heaters with exposed elements or gas appliances.
• Keep a close eye on children in the kitchen especially near stoves, kettles, ovens and irons.
• Check all electrical outlets to ensure that they are child safe.
• Make sure that you store matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Ensure that young children fully understand the dangers of fire and electricity by educating them daily. 

These incidents can happen in a matter of seconds but can change a person’s life forever. Recovery is a life-long process, and it continues long after healthcare. These organisations help by providing support, educating, and raising awareness to victims and their families. You can support survivors by following these organisations and sharing their work and initiatives with those around you.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).