Education and Support
Raising awareness
It was a lovely night with the women from Inner Wheel Club of Auckland East.
Roughly 25 women were in attendance, all were very welcoming to Heather and myself, and seemed quite interested in hearing Heather’s story. She shared how she received her burns and how it has affected her life in both good and more challenging ways. The women then asked wonderful questions and some even shared their own experiences with burns. Lastly we finished with myself sharing information about our charity and all the ways we support our survivors. Overall it was nice meeting such a wonderful group of people and is exactly what we hope to do getting awareness of our charity out for anyone who wants to learn about us. Thank you to Inner Wheel Club and Heather Stewart. Nick Nielson, President, 13th October 2022 |
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Welcome feedback
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Welcome feedback from presenting at the Middlemore Hospital Burn Study Days (19 September 2022).
Thank you to Karen Coubray (CMDHB) for offering Burn Support Groupto attend each year. This is a great platform to network and promote the various activities provided to the burn community through the Burn Support Charitable Trust. This arena also gives the opportunity for Middlemore Staff working with burns knowledge of services available outside the hospital provided by the Charity. Testimonial from students:
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Wound Awareness Week - 26 July - 1 August 2021
The Burn Support Charitable Trust wish to thank Sharon Cassidy and Jeanette Henderson from the NZ Wound Care Society for involving the Charity in this wonderful activity. It was fantastic to see the many entries and all the hard work that the children put into their designs. As we had to select two first place winners, after much deliberation this award goes to: Trillum Montessori, Christchurch
Tahatai Primary School, Papamoa It is our opinion that everyone is a winner for contributing and raising the awareness surrounding fire and burns.
Burn Support Group would like to thank each Kindergarten and Primary School for their participation and support towards this project. It will be a pleasure to visit the winners and supply resources that will be educational and fun for home. If you wish to know more about the Burn Support Group or would like a visit to your school or community group, please contact the office on 021 863 670 or email - michele@burns.org.nz |
Trillum Montessori, Christchurch
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Vauxhall Primary School visit
Many thanks to Vauxhall Primary School, Devonport who invited the Burn Support Group to give an informal educational discussion on hazards that can be found in the home. With amazing assistance from teachers Mrs B.K, Mrs Figgins and Mrs Davis a class of 47 discussed the importance of, "What to do when you receive a burn."
It is always a pleasure to discover safety precautions have been discussed in the family home and young children know and accept what is to be done particularly in the case of fire or burns. It was a pleasure to share this time in the classroom and applaud the teachers for their dedication and support in this matter. Resource packs and certificates were given to encourage a follow up with parents at home. Saving any one incident is a win! Remember water is your best friend. Burn Support Group would like to thank Amy and Moles Powles, their lovely young daughter, Emmy, received burns at a young age, very bravely and cautiously Emmy shared her experience with the class. Thank you Emmy, this was very courageous and will help others to understand and perhaps react differently when seeing differences! |
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Te Kuiti School visit - Thursday 19 November 2020
Thank you teacher Ms. Paula Guilford for having Burn Support Group join your class discussing hazards and safety regarding Fire and Burns.
Hamiora Reihana, young burn survivor is part of this wonderful class and as he attends Camp Awhi each year, it was decided to share his experiences and chat on the adventures the camp provides. It was extremely pleasing to see the awareness these young children already have and it was a very enjoyable time with a lot of banter to be a part off. Our thanks to Paula and Jan for providing this event. |
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Third PACU Presentation - 20 July 2020
Thank you to Belinda McKenzie for sharing her journey as a Burn Survivor with the group of 20 nurses, attending from Manukau and Middlemore.
Another successful event in which information is shared to benefit the staff and patient during hospitalisation periods.
Our appreciation goes to Emma Gils for involving the Burn Support Group in this project..
Another successful event in which information is shared to benefit the staff and patient during hospitalisation periods.
Our appreciation goes to Emma Gils for involving the Burn Support Group in this project..
Second PACU Presentation - 6 July 2020
Many thanks to Emma and the team for again having the Charity involved with these very successful talks with the PACU nurses that work within the Manukau Super Clinic and Middlemore Hospital.
Lovely Heather Stewart (burn survivor) spoke with the group sharing her journey and particularly discussing time spent in hospital and the feelings leading into surgery ops.
These events very quickly become an invaluable Q & A session which has remarks commenting on how beneficial it is for both parties as patients and staff.
Lovely Heather Stewart (burn survivor) spoke with the group sharing her journey and particularly discussing time spent in hospital and the feelings leading into surgery ops.
These events very quickly become an invaluable Q & A session which has remarks commenting on how beneficial it is for both parties as patients and staff.
Burn Support Group shares with PACU nurses
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Emma Gils, Clinical Specialty Nurse in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit at Middlemore Hospital has asked if the Burn Support Group could attend the education days for 2020, speaking with the PACU nurses about the long term effects of burns and the support services that are on offer.
February 6th saw the first presentation and visit. Donna Gregory-Marshall gave a wonderful session on her experiences as a burn survivor and the impact psychologically burns can create... On behalf of the Burn Support Group, thank you for the opportunity to raise the awareness surrounding the Charity and the many available support networks that are available.. Upcoming visits for 2020: 7 April, 1 May, 8 June, 20 July, 26 August, 10 September, 14 October, 5 November and 7 December. |
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Hamilton Christian School donates $100 to Burn Support Group
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Kevin Holmes and Michele Henry ran a Kitchen Fire Demonstrator for years 7, 8 and 9 at Hamilton Christian School in February 2020.
Michele talked to the class about being fire safe in the home and touched on what they have learnt in their firewise programme, escape plans, smoke alarms, safe cooking, how to call 111 and fire science. In total we talked to 134 children and showed them a safe way you can put out a fire on the stove and what happens if you put water on a fat fire. Thanks to Hamilton Christian School and organiser, Michelle Hinton. |
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FREE Home Fire Safety visit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand
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As Fire and Emergency New Zealand works towards creating a safer New Zealand, they are currently offering a FREE Home Fire Safety visit. This involves a quick visit from your local fire fighters, they come into your home and give advice on a range of fire safety topics including smoke alarms, multi boards, heaters, electric blankets and escape plans.
You may qualify for a FREE photo electric long-life smoke alarm which will be installed at the time of their visit. Fire and Emergency New Zealand will also check and install any smoke alarms you may already have. |
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If you would like a visit from the Fire and Emergency team to your place or know a whanau who may need a visit please fill the Home Fire Safety Visit Referral Form email it to Nicole: nicole.dobson@fireandemergency.nz
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Presentation for Hamilton Club
Michelle Hinton is the latest edition to the Safekids Coalition, Hamilton. Michelle works with the Morrinsville Fire Service as Senior Firefighter and is also working alongside Jess focusing on the youth programmes.
On 2 May, Michelle gave a presentation on "Fire Safety in the House" for the Friendship Club of Te Rapa (formerly Probus) consisting of 83 members, at the request of Alan McAllen. After a well received talk the group offered a donation of $50.00 which was to be given to the Charity of Michelle's choice, The Burn Support Group are the fortunate recipients of that donation. On behalf of the Burn Support Group thank you to both parties for this generous offer. As we are heading into Winter it is a good reminder to be aware of the hazards that can so easily occur in homes. The offer to educate on SAFETY with available resources is made available to those organisations that are looking for speakers.. 
Michelle Hinton with Michele Henry from Burn Support Group
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The Importance of Education and Prevention
Waikato Statistics presented by John Goldsmith (Waikato Hospital Paediatrician)
Good morning Michele and everyone, including Melissa Wilson at SafeKids (email provided by ACC).
I am delighted to pass on the news that Dr Patel’s paper on the burns we’ve seen recently, has been accepted for presentation at the Paediatric Society of NZ Annual Scientific Meeting to be held in Nelson next month. This is quite an achievement.
In summary her audit showed that :
Over the 2 years between May 2016 and April 2018, 163 children under 15 years of age presented to Waikato Hospital with burns.
The median age was 22 months (age range 26 days - 14 years 8 months)
62.6% of burns were scalds
Less than 25% of children received appropriate cooling cares prior to their presentation.
82.2% of children required admission to hospital, and 70.6% required surgical intervention.
Unsafe home environments and inadequate supervision contributed to most injuries in the younger children.
It now seems very appropriate to think how best to promote safe environments and appropriate emergency treatment of burns in children, so we can reduce the number of burned children admitted to hospital. I am confident that our figures are very likely to reflect what is happening elsewhere in NZ. Our audit included children from the wider ‘Midlands’ region including Lakes, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti and Taranaki DHB’s.
Under the OIA we have been provided by ACC with some data for claims accepted for burns in children <6 years old, for the whole of NZ during the 5 years 01/07/12 to 30/06/17. It’s a complicated document but the most striking observation I can make is that the vast majority of claims are for the category “Boiling(Violent & Inadvertent)” and of these the vast majority occur at home rather than ‘school/preschool’ or ‘other’, and there isn’t an obvious seasonal variation on brief inspection of the data. The data are not broken down into DHB or year, but are provided for the months of the year and individual years of age. In children under 3 the peak months for burns due to ‘Fire’ seem to be between March and September. Further analysis is a work in progress!
The burns from the early-winter use of heating (e.g. unguarded fires, free-standing electric or gas heaters, or kitchen stoves) would suggest a more specific campaign in late summer/autumn – maybe in association with the smoke-alarm battery campaign around Easter?
I imagine a comprehensive national campaign would be expensive and take a lot of time and effort but I can’t see any useful alternative.
I am delighted to pass on the news that Dr Patel’s paper on the burns we’ve seen recently, has been accepted for presentation at the Paediatric Society of NZ Annual Scientific Meeting to be held in Nelson next month. This is quite an achievement.
In summary her audit showed that :
Over the 2 years between May 2016 and April 2018, 163 children under 15 years of age presented to Waikato Hospital with burns.
The median age was 22 months (age range 26 days - 14 years 8 months)
62.6% of burns were scalds
Less than 25% of children received appropriate cooling cares prior to their presentation.
82.2% of children required admission to hospital, and 70.6% required surgical intervention.
Unsafe home environments and inadequate supervision contributed to most injuries in the younger children.
It now seems very appropriate to think how best to promote safe environments and appropriate emergency treatment of burns in children, so we can reduce the number of burned children admitted to hospital. I am confident that our figures are very likely to reflect what is happening elsewhere in NZ. Our audit included children from the wider ‘Midlands’ region including Lakes, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti and Taranaki DHB’s.
Under the OIA we have been provided by ACC with some data for claims accepted for burns in children <6 years old, for the whole of NZ during the 5 years 01/07/12 to 30/06/17. It’s a complicated document but the most striking observation I can make is that the vast majority of claims are for the category “Boiling(Violent & Inadvertent)” and of these the vast majority occur at home rather than ‘school/preschool’ or ‘other’, and there isn’t an obvious seasonal variation on brief inspection of the data. The data are not broken down into DHB or year, but are provided for the months of the year and individual years of age. In children under 3 the peak months for burns due to ‘Fire’ seem to be between March and September. Further analysis is a work in progress!
The burns from the early-winter use of heating (e.g. unguarded fires, free-standing electric or gas heaters, or kitchen stoves) would suggest a more specific campaign in late summer/autumn – maybe in association with the smoke-alarm battery campaign around Easter?
I imagine a comprehensive national campaign would be expensive and take a lot of time and effort but I can’t see any useful alternative.
Raising Awareness
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Pete Bishop resides in Porirua, a plumber by trade, owning his own small company.
Pete has been supporting the Burn Support Group for the most of 2018, as the Charity provides Pete with informative magnets regarding hot water which include contact details for the Charity. It was Pete's idea and he approached BSG requesting resources he could use as he installs Rheem Lazer Boilers across Wellington, Kapiti, Hutt Valley and the city region, mainly for Government departments and organisations. As we all need to be aware, hot water is the major contributing factor relating to burns throughout the country and this small, however extremely significant, reminder that Pete has attributed through his job could make the difference for one person using hot water. Thank you to Pete for his initiative and raising the awareness of the Burn Support Group Charitable Trust. If you have an idea you think could raise the awareness regarding burns, please share it with us by emailing Michele here. |
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Howick Probus Group visit, 22 June 2018
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A very big thank you to the wonderful and inviting ladies of the Howick Probus Group.
Judy Hohaia and Michele Henry received a warm welcome when arriving to present to the group on 22 June 2018. Anita Smith had requested if it was possible to share with the ladies the ongoing activities, aims and support offered by the Burn Support Charitable Trust. With a terrific group 40+ in attendance, Michele was more than happy to discuss education, promotion and care surrounding the burn community. Judy then told her own personal journey as a burn survivor, with her gentle, inspiring words. Judy shared her experiences since receiving burns as a very young girl... On behalf of the Burn Support Group we would like to acknowledge and thank the ladies for their time and taking part in our presentation. Thank you for your generous donation and to each and every one of you, we wish you the best... |
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Waitemata DHB visit, 29 May 2018
Thank you to Sasha McKinlay, Nurse Educator, for the invitation to participate in their session on the 29 May 2018.
Judy and Michele from Burn Support Group met with the lovely ladies sharing the initiatives and workings of the Charity, which was followed by the inspirational story of burn survivor, Judy Hohaia.
Through a short Q & A we have been able to provide valuable resources throughout the G.P premises for the benefit of the public.
Judy and Michele from Burn Support Group met with the lovely ladies sharing the initiatives and workings of the Charity, which was followed by the inspirational story of burn survivor, Judy Hohaia.
Through a short Q & A we have been able to provide valuable resources throughout the G.P premises for the benefit of the public.
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"The reason I requested the services of your amazing charity is, having worked in many areas throughout my career I have noted that although many nurses discuss holistic care it is often discontinued when the patient leaves the hospital.
The true holistic nature of caring and nursing is to incorporate every aspect of the situation and has meant that the individual requires care. The continued effect of burns on the individual and their families, is often overlooked by many. I wanted Judy (and boy did she deliver) to tell her story so that the participants on the day were able to see how their own actions can affect the long term care of the individuals." Sasha McKinlay Nurse Educator, Primary Health Care Nursing Development Team, Awhina Health Campus, Waitemata DHB |
Hello Michele
I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thankyou! I attended a wound study day yesterday at Waitakere Hospital, the last session you and Judy came to speak to us. I was so moved by Judy’s story it brought tears to my eyes. Can you please thank her for coming to speak to us and share her story. What an incredible lady she is. I must say, out of the whole study day, listening to Judy was the highlight. Amazing lady! I will never forget her and her story, and will carry it with me during my nursing practice. Keep up the great work ladies, you are an inspiration! Philippa Limbrick |
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Knitting wool required for Middlemore Foundation
Thank you to Pat Moss and Bev Lawson from the Summerset Falls Knitting Group in Warkworth. On Thursday 26 April, the ladies met with Michele from Burn Support Group, where they then visited Middlemore Foundation providing cases of knitted beanies, jackets and blankets for the Children's Ward.
Kelsey Hoyes spent valued time explaining the procedure when supplying the items to the public. Both ladies had a lovely morning and where thrilled to learn their time and effort is so well appreciated. Their knitting group consists of about 26 ladies, meeting once a week and as Bev says "It's a good excuse for ladies to chatter!" Burn Support Group would like to help these ladies out, If you have any spare wool you no longer require please contact Michele. |
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Waikato Show, 6 - 8 April 2018
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The Waikato Show is a unique community event that celebrates the amazing diversity that exists in the Waikato.
There is something for everyone! This year the Burn Support Group contributed to the Event by way of sharing brochures, resources and chatting to the public. We are very fortunate to have the support from Donna Gregory-Marshall (Burn Survivor) who volunteered her time and services working alongside the local health providers in the wellbeing sector. Thank you to our wonderful Donna Gregory-Marshall who volunteered her time on Sunday raising the awareness of safety and precautions surrounding burns in the home. Hot water is still a major factor contributing to too many children admitted to the Hospitals. Donna, along with representatives from the Waikato Fire & Emergency, Plunket, Te Runanga O Kirikiriroa, Kids at Home and Safe Kids who erected the wonderful educational whare along with supportive health professionals, mixed and mingled with the Waikato public. Thank you to the Waikato Show for including the Burn Support Group in this exciting event... |
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Little known, yet severe risk that's in YOUR home
There is a little known danger that is present in most households – this is the coin-sized lithium button battery, you may also know them as cell batteries. These are found in many common household items such as car keys, calculators, hearing aids, thermometers, greeting cards and many more common items that we use every day in our homes.
All sizes of button batteries present with risk however the most severe injuries generally are associated with the 20mm diameter batteries the size of a 10 cent coin – this is because they can become lodged in the throat if swallowed. When this happens the saliva begins to work with the battery to trigger an electrical current. Becoming stuck in the ear or nose can be just as dangerous - the battery generates hydroxide when it is in contact with tissue fluids which cause alkaline burns and perforations of the oesophagus (throat), nasal septum or ear canal. Signs to look for are pain and/or discharge from the ear or nose. Serious injury can occur in as little as 2 hours – and can result in death. |
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GET HELP FAST
If you even think that your tamariki may have swallowed a battery or put a battery in their nose or ear seek help immediately. Go to your nearest hospital emergency department or medial facility and tell doctors/nurses that they may have swallowed or inserted a battery. Do not let your tamariki eat or drink anything and do not induce vomiting.
To keep your tamariki safe:
Reference: Safekids Aotearoa (2014) Button battery injuries: A demonstration plan for practitioners. Auckland: Safekids Aotearoa.
Thank you to Safekids Coalition Waikato for providing this article.
If you even think that your tamariki may have swallowed a battery or put a battery in their nose or ear seek help immediately. Go to your nearest hospital emergency department or medial facility and tell doctors/nurses that they may have swallowed or inserted a battery. Do not let your tamariki eat or drink anything and do not induce vomiting.
To keep your tamariki safe:
- SEARCH your home, and any place your child goes, for gadgets that may contain button batteries.
- SECURE button battery-controlled devices out of sight and reach of children and keep loose batteries locked away.
- SHARE this life-saving information with caregivers, friends, family and whanau.
Reference: Safekids Aotearoa (2014) Button battery injuries: A demonstration plan for practitioners. Auckland: Safekids Aotearoa.
Thank you to Safekids Coalition Waikato for providing this article.
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St John Youth Program
The St John Youth Program offers a range of opportunities for both children and young people whose interested in becoming a cadet, and adults who are interested in becoming a leader with our division.
It's a fun and learning environment which can led to future possibilities e.g. paramedic, nursing, physiotherapist, etc. We have a variety of events which include being part of a wider system e.g. St John Appeal week, Anzac Day, competitions, courses, camps, etc, which are held throughout the year. The program runs four school terms during the year, and each term cadets work on a chosen badge and once completed they receive a certificate and a badge. It can be an exciting time for cadets. To feel like they are part of St John, a uniform is the required dresswear. |
Michele Henry from BSG had a terrific time visiting the Mangere East Youth Program on 14 November 2017, and says,' What an amazing wonderful young crowd they were!'
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There is a cost of $50 donation fee for older cadets age 9 years and over. For children aged 5 - 8yrs the donation fee is $25. The full cost of the uniform is $200 to $300 and St John subsidies the rest.
The Donation fees is a one off charge and when the cadet grows out of their uniform, it can be changed at no extra cost.
There is also the cost of $10 per term. plus $5 for a family member. Parents are also asked to support their children as much as they can e.g. bring them to division and external events.
At the end of each term there is a breakup dinner, and time to be with each other and have fun.
At the End of Year Prizegiving, trophies, medals and certificates are presented to the Cadets. We also invite Special Guests to present these awards alongside our Leaders. After the prizegiving there is a dinner and get-together, which is alwasy a great time.
If you're interested in joining, making new friends, having fun and being part of our team, we look forward to hearing from you.
Please contact Karen on 0276 899 009 or click here to email.
Warm regards,
Karen Tana-Hart
Actiing Divistional Manager
St John Mangere East Youth
The Donation fees is a one off charge and when the cadet grows out of their uniform, it can be changed at no extra cost.
There is also the cost of $10 per term. plus $5 for a family member. Parents are also asked to support their children as much as they can e.g. bring them to division and external events.
At the end of each term there is a breakup dinner, and time to be with each other and have fun.
At the End of Year Prizegiving, trophies, medals and certificates are presented to the Cadets. We also invite Special Guests to present these awards alongside our Leaders. After the prizegiving there is a dinner and get-together, which is alwasy a great time.
If you're interested in joining, making new friends, having fun and being part of our team, we look forward to hearing from you.
Please contact Karen on 0276 899 009 or click here to email.
Warm regards,
Karen Tana-Hart
Actiing Divistional Manager
St John Mangere East Youth
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The Biotherapeutics Association of Australasia (BAA) is the peak body representing cellular therapy and tissue bankers in Australia and New Zealand.
Australasian Tissue Banks & Cell Therapy facilities associated with the BAA manufacture the following biotherapeutic products for implant:
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Delwyn Breslau at the Biotherapeutics Association of Australasia conference with Transfusion Medicine Specialist and conference convenor Dr Richard Charlewood.
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A lovely time was spent with the wonderful women from Inner Wheel Mt Roskill (26th October 2017). Thank you to Janet for the invitation.
Education, Prevention and Care, the three-pronged approach followed by the Burn Support Group was discussed, it was agreed it is vital to try and lower the unfortunate incidents of burn injuries. On behalf of the B.S.G. thank you for your wonderful donation, this will contribute to purchasing Resources for the community. |
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Thank you to Pisces Road Playgroup, held at the Glen Eden Community House on 25 Oct 17, for an invitation to meet with the children and parents. During morning tea Michele (BSG) and parents discussed the safety hazards that can be found around the home. With the use of Resources the children were able to contribute and identify what can happen so very quickly at any time.
Pisces Playgroup is available for all local families, Mon, Wed, Fri 9.15 - 11.30am. |
"Michele and I presented to a very attentive group of Genesis Energy staff aspects about burns and burn treatments at our tool box meeting.
Introducing the topic, I covered the importance of always being prepared to attend to hot fluid spills by and around young children at the dinner table. Michele presented some statistical data and covered some of the most common accidents such as those caused by hot drinks and noodles. Michele highlighted the first aid treatment and described the many aspects of after care of the burnt victim and the victims carer. As there a number of parents at the meeting it was well received."
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SHOUT OUT to Albert Vete (Rugby League Warrior) and his lovely young family who, whilst visiting the 2017 Auckland Baby Show, stopped to chat with Jaxs Ross (Volunteer) discussing the Charities initiatives, up-coming Events and the support that is offered to the Burn Survivor community.
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Room 13 was visited by Michele Henry from the Burn Support Chartiable Trust this week (August 2017). |
BSG spent a brilliant day spent with the Bachelor of Community Health
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The Bachelor of Community Health is a new degree developed by the Health and Humanities team of the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic in 2015. The aim of the programme is to develop non-clinical health professionals who are able to work from a multidisciplinary and strengths-based perspective to enhance the holistic wellbeing of individuals, whānau/families, organisations and communities with specific emphasis on needs of Māori. Further, graduates of this programme will develop and apply skills and knowledge to working in and with diverse communities to understand and work with their specific needs, world view and values to reduce inequities in health and improve health outcomes for all. Furthermore, BCH graduates will gain a multi-faceted skillset that will give them the ability to work in a variety of contexts, from health promotion, project planning and implementation through to policy development and behavioural change management processes.
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We are also a little ‘different’ in the fact we don’t follow a traditional tertiary teaching methodology, our classes consist of no lectures!. We run enquiry based learning lesson plans where our students are faced with certain ‘case studies’, or particular ‘problems’, or even collaborate on a bigger ‘project’.
One of the year one papers of the BCH degree focuses on understanding the anatomy and physiology of the human body and how certain disease states or conditions impact on the body. Understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ things happen in the body is the starting point of understanding what that particular person is going through and potential challenges that may arise in the future. For the integumentary (skin) system we investigate burns – and the impact they have physiologically, mentally, emotionally not only on the individual but on the family and communities involved – we look into real life issues that burn survivors face – from schooling to surgeries.
Having Michele from the BSG come and talk to the students was an inspirational day – they discussed everything from prevention plans and other support services through to real time/real life issues and challenges faced by burn survivors and what the health sector can and should be doing to alleviate these.
We are so lucky our students got to hear from Michele. Together they have developed a project in which Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology hopes to give back to the BSGCT – big time!
Watch this space for exiting times ahead.
Kind regards
Jacinda Hills
Programme Coordinator Bachelor of Community Health
One of the year one papers of the BCH degree focuses on understanding the anatomy and physiology of the human body and how certain disease states or conditions impact on the body. Understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ things happen in the body is the starting point of understanding what that particular person is going through and potential challenges that may arise in the future. For the integumentary (skin) system we investigate burns – and the impact they have physiologically, mentally, emotionally not only on the individual but on the family and communities involved – we look into real life issues that burn survivors face – from schooling to surgeries.
Having Michele from the BSG come and talk to the students was an inspirational day – they discussed everything from prevention plans and other support services through to real time/real life issues and challenges faced by burn survivors and what the health sector can and should be doing to alleviate these.
We are so lucky our students got to hear from Michele. Together they have developed a project in which Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology hopes to give back to the BSGCT – big time!
Watch this space for exiting times ahead.
Kind regards
Jacinda Hills
Programme Coordinator Bachelor of Community Health
Lovely message from Anne Sharples
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I visited the Baby Show at the ASB Stadium 2016 with my daughter who was expecting her first child, and my first grandchild.
As we went past many of the stalls I was stopped by the Burn Support Group ladies to talk about the bath duck that was new. She explained the benefits of the duck and of course I remembered the days of testing the water prior to my own children getting in and not always getting it quite right. It changed colour so something that was easy to use and visual, whereby children can learn to look at the duck before getting in the bath. At first I hesitated at the price until I remembered years before I had had cause to regularly visit the Christchurch Burns Unit. I remembered the sound of the children who were in the unit and the constant sobbing and whimpering from third degree burns and thought how could I put a price on safety. I said to my daughter she should get one and her response was ‘it’s not on my must have list so it will have to wait’. I then turned around and brought the bath duck and gave it to her at her baby shower, because I felt it was that important.
The first time she used it she phoned and said how easy it made getting the bath ready. It is a great toy as well. If you are interested in purchasing the bath duck, please email Michele. |
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New Zealand Fire Service - Fire Awareness and Intervention Programme
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Did you know?
Over 63% of all deliberately lit fires in NZ are started by young people under 17 years old. Many of these fires are started by children through experimentation, fascination, a lack of understanding about the speed of fire development or the consequences of fire. Tragic examples are many of the recent significant school fires in NZ which were started by young people lighting combustibles too close to a structure without understanding about the potential for fire development. Curbing fire play early amongst young people is a well-documented highly effective way to reduce significant property loss in our communities. What is FAIP? (Fire Awareness & Intervention Programme) FAIP is a free, consequence based, education programme delivered by trained firefighters to help children overcome unhealthy firelighting behaviour. Last year 439 children completed the fire service Fire Awareness and Intervention Programme (FAIP). As a result 96%* of these young people stop playing with fire. |
What does FAIP mean for you?
Firefighters attending fires started by young people are often in an excellent position to offer FAIP to parents or caregivers. Referrals can be made to FAIP by contacting Jackie Watson for further information. The excellent success of FAIP means once a child has been through FAIP there will be less fires which mean less injuries, loss of life and property loss. And it starts with a referral from you. Please note that FAIP Practitioners do not respond to fires as experience has shown us that the most effective interventions occur once the "heat" has gone out of the situation. Usually an intervention is conducted in the safe environment of the child's home with their parent/caregiver present. With special thanks to Jackie Watson, Lynda McHugh (Auckland) and Jess Johson (Hamilton) Fire and Emergency. |
Thank you for your support
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Burn Support Group would like to acknowledge and thank Alice Ding, Anni Tang and Sam Cho from the Asian Network Incorporated, TANI.
They have volunteered their time and support to translate "Hot Water Burns Like Fire" brochures into Chinese Mandarin. These translated brochures are available to the Hospitals, Doctor's Surgeries, Community Groups and the general public. With the promotion of helpful hints on home safety we hope to lower the unfortunate incidents surrounding burns. 
Click image to read brochure
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Burn Support Group Charitable Trust would like to share their appreciation for the wonderful support given by DEFSEC Media.
Fire magazine is published by DEFSEC Media Ltd on behalf of Fire Protection Association New Zealand, Society of Fire Protection Engineers New Zealand, Institution of Fire Engineers New Zealand. B.S.G. acknowledge for the past 12 months, editor Craig Flint has placed articles relating to the Charity through three magazines circulating through New Zealand. With this valued opportunity it has raised the awareness surrounding burn survivors, promoted Burn Support Group as a non-profit organisation available throughout the Communities within New Zealand. |
It is through the support of generous organisations as DEFSEC that we are able to make a difference to individuals, families/whanau who have experienced burn injuries, giving emotional and practical support during recovery and beyond.
From the B.S.G. Board and Staff, we are truly grateful for the continued support. 
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Burn support group charitable trust inc
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