Awareness and First Aid
An ER24 branch manager and former firefighter explains the dangers of making indoor fires, how medics are trained to handle fire scenes, and how bystanders should react in these situations.
Despite the availability of safe, modern heating methods for homes, many South African households still rely on coal stoves and wood fires. If a home doesn’t have a chimney and a fireplace, an indoor fire can lead to medical emergencies, says André Momberg, ER24 Secunda Branch Manager, and former firefighter.
Most common fire callouts
Momberg says his area's most common fire-related calls are shack fires in informal settlements, house fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning cases. “People often leave their coal heaters and stoves on and unattended,” he says. These accidents tend to happen in the winter months when temperatures drop below zero.
Sometimes, makeshift indoor fire containers fall over, igniting the surrounding areas. “This is especially dangerous in informal settlements, where structures are built close together, making it easy for fire to spread and escalate,” he explains.
How to avoid indoor fire emergencies
“It’s easy to say people shouldn’t use indoor fires if they don’t have chimneys or dedicated fireplaces, but they have to cook and stay warm,” Momberg says. “ER24 assists the community via the Community Emergency Awareness Response (CEAR) group. This project focuses on educating people about how to prevent medical emergencies, including the importance of adequate ventilation, and not going to sleep leaving these fires burning.”
Momberg adds that coal stoves and fire pits commonly used for indoor heating are the leading causes of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fires. He advises against using smouldering or lit coal indoors, as they emit fumes even after use. Instead, braai in open areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathlessness. If you think someone is suffering from this, remove them from the source and call 084 124 for real help, real fast. Momberg also cautions that with gas fire installations, all fittings and cylinders must be regularly checked and maintained.
Handling a fire emergency
Momberg brings his expertise as a former firefighter into his work as an ER24 advanced life support (ALS) paramedic. He follows a three-point procedure for each callout:
- Assess what is fuelling the blaze
- Assess the initial cause
- Figure out the potential dangers of the fire continuing.
Once the ER24 crew has considered these factors, they determine how best to approach the fire. “Very few ambulance crews are trained how to enter and work in and around burning structures, so we’re very reliant on our local fire departments to bring patients to a safe working area,” he says.
Momberg advises bystanders to stay calm and to call 084 124 for real help, real fast. “I don’t advise that members of the public get involved in dangerous situations like structural fires”, he warns. “However, if it’s possible to do this safely, remove yourself and the injured person from the dangerous area.” Bystanders and ER24 crews can then offer emergency medical care and assistance without the threat of further harm.
Call 084 124 in a medical emergency for real help, real fast.