WARNING! Rising childhood burn injuries as Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital marks 70 years of care
As Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) marks 70 years of caring for children across the Western Cape, the hospital is calling on parents, caregivers and communities to strengthen burn prevention at home, amid consistently high numbers of serious, yet largely preventable, childhood burn injuries.
Since opening its doors in 1956, RCWMCH has remained the province’s only dedicated specialist children’s hospital, caring for its most vulnerable patients. Each year, the hospital treats hundreds of paediatric burn cases, ranging from scalds caused by hot liquids to flame burns, electrical injuries and contact burns. Most of these injuries occur in the home and disproportionately affect children under the age of five.
“Burn injuries remain one of the most common and devastating forms of preventable trauma we see in young children,” said Dr Tomé Mendes, Head of the Burns Unit at RCWMCH. “Children’s skin is thinner and more vulnerable, which means even brief exposure to heat can result in serious injury.”
Dr Destiny Links, Plastic Surgeon at RCWMCH, added that this vulnerability also means burns can become severe very quickly. “Because children’s skin is significantly thinner than that of adults, heat penetrates more deeply and more rapidly, even brief exposure can result in life-altering injury.”
Beyond the immediate physical harm, burns can have lasting emotional and psychological consequences. Recovery often requires not only medical care, but long-term psychosocial support for both children and their families.
Burns Happen at Home
ChildSafe data collected over decades shows that most paediatric burns occur during routine daily activities in familiar household spaces, particularly kitchens, bathrooms and living areas. Common risks include hot liquids, unattended cooking areas, kettles and pots within reach, open flames, paraffin stoves and electrical appliances.
Young children are especially vulnerable due to their curiosity, mobility and limited understanding of danger.
RCWMCH clinicians frequently encounter severe scald injuries linked to everyday caregiving routines particularly bath time.
“One of the most common and preventable scenarios we see involves bath basins,” Dr Links explained. “Parents may fill a basin with hot water first and step away briefly to fetch cold water. In that short time, a toddler can climb into the basin. These basins are often placed on the floor, and the resulting injuries can be catastrophic.”
Prevention is key
Drawing on seven decades of experience, RCWMCH clinicians emphasise that many burn injuries can be prevented through simple but consistent safety practices at home.
“Burn prevention does not require expensive interventions,” Dr Links said. “What it requires is awareness. The small choices caregivers make every day can prevent injuries that change a child’s life forever.”
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to:
- Keep hot liquids, cords and appliances out of children’s reach
- Never leave children unattended near cooking or heating areas
- Turn pot handles inward when cooking
- Prepare baths by adding cold water first, then hot water
- Always test bath water temperature before use
- Store matches, lighters and candles safely and out of reach
First Aid saves skin and lives
While prevention remains the most effective protection, knowing how to respond when a burn occurs can significantly reduce long-term harm.
“Cooling is of paramount importance,” Dr Links stressed.
“The burned area should be placed under cool running water for a full 20 minutes. Proper cooling helps stop the burn from progressing deeper into the skin and can significantly reduce long-term damage.”
She added that prompt medical attention remains critical, particularly for young children and more severe injuries.
Reinforcing this, Mendes highlighted the broader impact of early intervention:
“Quick and appropriate medical care can save lives and significantly improve outcomes. Appropriate first aid, administered as early as possible, has the potential to reduce the severity of a burn injury and the time it takes to heal. It is therefore crucial that caregivers know how to respond.”
Specialist care beyond survival
Over the past 70 years, RCWMCH has developed one of the region’s most experienced paediatric burns services, offering comprehensive care that extends far beyond initial treatment.
This includes emergency care, surgical intervention, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. The hospital’s Plastic Surgery Department plays a key role in reconstructive procedures that restore function, mobility and independence as children grow. Social workers and multidisciplinary teams support families through the emotional and psychological complexities of recovery.
“Burn injuries don’t end when the wounds heal,” said Dr Links. “Supporting a child’s emotional, psychological and social wellbeing is just as important as treating the physical injury.”
A life that tells the story
Few stories reflect the hospital’s legacy more powerfully than that of William Baartman, a long-time RCWMCH volunteer.
Severely burned at the age of four in 1977, William was treated at the hospital and went on to live a full and active life. Today, he volunteers in the burns unit, offering reassurance and hope to children and families facing similar journeys.
His story stands as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of specialised paediatric burn care and RCWMCH’s enduring commitment to restoring childhood futures.
A call to protect the future
As it marks this milestone anniversary, RCWMCH is urging communities to honour its legacy by prioritising children’s safety at home.
“Quick and appropriate medical care can save lives and significantly improve outcomes,” said Dr Tomé Mendes, Head of the Burns Unit at RCWMCH. “Appropriate first aid, administered as early as possible, can reduce the severity of a burn injury and the time it takes to heal. It is therefore crucial that caregivers know how to respond.”
Dr Destiny Links, Plastic Surgeon at RCWMCH, added that prevention remains the most effective protection. “Protecting children begins at home. With stronger prevention, correct first aid and early medical care, we can reduce the number of children who need our burns service, and that is always our goal.”
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