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Chilly days, bitterly cold nights, and icy winds are seasonal realities we learn to adapt to, but as winter bites, just trying to stay warm can bring its own set of hazards.

Netcare 911 operations director Shalen Ramduth says while a warming heater or roaring log fire makes for a cosy home, there are necessary safety precautions you should take to keep your family safe from accidents and hidden dangers.

Ramduth warns that carbon monoxide poisoning is a real, though little known threat inside many of our homes. “When fuel like wood and charcoal, or petrol and gas is burnt in poorly ventilated areas, carbon monoxide gas is released into the air. Because it has no smell, people often will not realise they are breathing in this toxic gas, which, when inhaled in large enough quantities, can result in serious damage to the body, especially the brain and heart. It can also have tragic, fatal consequences.”

Ramduth explains that a person who has inhaled carbon monoxide could be short of breath and may complain of dizziness and nausea. “They would also be lethargic and often confused. In extreme cases, the person may lose consciousness and, being unable to escape, may even suffer brain damage.”

Ramduth says it is important to act fast where carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected. “Quickly move the person into a well-ventilated area, away from the source of the carbon monoxide. They would need further medical attention urgently, so always call an ambulance or rush the person to a medical facility immediately.” 

 

 

How can carbon monoxide exposure be prevented?

“No matter how cold it is outside, always ensure adequate ventilation if you are using any source of carbon monoxide as listed above. It is also worth installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home.”

Ramduth strongly recommends that heaters be switched off and fires inside the home be extinguished overnight.

“Get qualified professionals to install your gas appliances and have them checked regularly. Clean fireplaces and chimneys to ensure they are not blocked or coated with creosote, as this can trap carbon monoxide and release it back into the home.”

Take steps to prevent burns

Ramduth says burns caused by contact with heating appliances and hearth fires can result in serious, life-changing injuries. “A large proportion of those who are treated for burns are children or older people, and many of these injuries can be prevented.

Children must be constantly supervised around any source of heat, including heaters, electric blankets or fires. Again, never leave these going overnight, as the risks of a child getting up alone and touching a fire or heater, or a fire spreading when the family is sleeping, are real.”

Ramduth gives advice on how to treat a burn before help arrives.

• Remain calm: Keeping a level head is crucial in any emergency.
• Ensure safety: Prioritise safety, especially in electrical or chemical burn cases.
• Extinguish flames: Teach the ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ technique, especially to children.
• If a person’s clothes are on fire, get them to lie on the ground and protect their face with their hands.
• Remove any clothes not stuck to the burnt areas, especially if they are smouldering, but leave those stuck to the wound for medical professionals to remove.
• Cool the burn: Run cold water over the affected area for at least 20 minutes.
• Cover the burn with a clean, wet cloth, first aid burn gel, or dressing.
• Contrary to what many people think, you should not use ice on a burn wound as this can lead to tissue damage.
• If the burns are severe, causing significant pain, involve the eyes, or are larger than the person’s hand, immediately call an ambulance.
• Address smoke inhalation. Prompt evaluation is crucial to prevent complications.

When intense winter weather systems bring snow and ice, this can also increase the possibility of slipping, which can result in sprains, fractures and other more serious injuries. “Be aware of the risk, especially to older people who may not be steady on their feet,” says Ramduth,

He also advises using layers of clothes to trap body heat and prevent hypothermia and frostbite for those who must venture out in the coldest weather.

“At Netcare 911, we know that despite the best efforts to prevent injuries, accidents can still happen, and we are there to assist with any medical emergency,” adds Ramduth.

He suggests that it is also a good idea to keep a well-stocked first aid kit at home, at your workplace and in your car. “Make sure you include bandages for sprains and strains and to immobilise compromised limbs, along with a couple of burn dressings to treat burn wounds, and a thermal blanket.”

If the emergency situation requires more assistance, it helps to have a fast, efficient way to find it promptly.

“Many of us have our cell phones near us most of the time. If you’ve downloaded the Netcare app before any accident occurs, you can quickly use the Netcare 911 emergency call and geolocation function, as well as our 60-second call-back option, to get help easily. Rest assured that we will find you and bring you the medical help you need via the app,” Ramduth concludes.

Ends

Notes to editors

Experience seamless healthcare access with the Netcare App. Enjoy convenient healthcare anytime, anywhere, with expert medical care at your fingertips. Book appointments, consult with GPs virtually and manage pre-admissions all in one place. From emergency response services with geolocation to seamless admission, discover a new level of care. Download the Netcare App today.

Alternatively, contact Netcare Appointmed on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 to 17:00, to make an appointment with a therapist, doctor or specialist practising at a Netcare hospital, Netcare Medicross or Netcare Akeso facility near you.

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