The Foundation partnered with Kidsafe WA and Minister Simone McGurk MLA to officially launch Burns Awareness Month 2022. This month-long campaign raises awareness of burn injury, prevention measures and the correct first aid treatments. At the launch, The Department of Communities gave out a reminder to childcare operators of their obligations to ensure children are safe from burn injury. This is due to a recent spate of incidents where children sustained scalds and contact burns whilst in care.
During the launch, Fiona sent a strong message to the community about the importance of being first aid trained, reminding them that as a first responder, you must run clean, cool water (15 and 18 degrees) for 20 minutes within the first hour of the burn but continues to be effective up to three hours. She was also joined by the incredible Esther, who shared her lived experience of sustaining a severe burn to her hand after falling into a campfire.
Together they promoted The Ben and Bella Storybook series and highlighted the importance of burn education. The children's books are available to the community, early childhood centres and schools and are available to purchase via our shop.
We were thrilled to have the major news channels provide coverage of the launch. You can view the channel 7 and 10 news reports by clicking on the link below:
Fiona and Esther were also featured in an article in The West Australian:
To help spread our safety and prevention messages during NBAM we have loaded a variety or resources, tip sheets and information on our website. Feel free to share these resources with your networks and display the posters in your homes, workplaces, and community.
Photo credit: Andrew Ritchie/The West Australian
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