NOHIL holds burn awareness walk, advocates safety precautions

As part of efforts aimed at reducing incidences of burns, members and staff of National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos (NOHIL), last week, embarked on 15 kilometre (km) health and fitness walk aimed at enlightening the masses on the need to observe safety precautions.

The members of staff left the hospital premises early and went round Somolu Local Government, carrying placards that read: “Do not store petrol in your house,” “Do not operate phone near a generator,” “Burns kill lets stop it together,” “Don’t allow children in the kitchen alone,” and “Do not handle naked wires.”

The members of staff also proceeded to Federal Science and Technical College, (FSSTC) Yaba, where they enlightened the students on the need to be safety conscious. They also taught them how to use the fire extinguisher.

In an interview, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Seyi Idowu, said that apart from performing surgeries, the hospital also looks after those who have burns. He said the event aims at preventing fire at home and preventing burns in children.

Specifically, he said this is an ongoing advocacy, adding that the world is moving towards preventive medicine, which reduces casualties.

“Accident does happen, but we can reduce the damage,” he declared.

He further advised: “Do not use ice or ice water, which can cause tissue damage; do not apply butter, oil, toothpaste, lotion, ointment on any burn, because the infection may occur and complicate the injury; do not use adhesive as wound dressings; do not break blisters or remove peeled skin.”

Continuing, he said children must be kept away from hot water burns and scalds. For deep or extensive burns, of any size, he suggested patients must be sent immediately to the hospital for further treatment.

He added that the event was organised by The Burns and Plastic Surgery Department of NOHIL.