Clinical educator Alexia Joachim attended a one-day training course in Emergency Management of Severe Burns, hosted by the South African Burns Society on the 17 April 2026. The programme highlighted the devastating effects on the wellbeing of people that sustain a severe burn injury, not only physically but also emotionally.

A patient with a severe burn injury presents a significant clinical challenge where immediate and effective first aid at the scene of injury can reduce ongoing tissue damage, and rapid assessment and treatment can be lifesaving. 

This course provided the clinicians in attendance with focused information on the presentation, diagnosis and management of severe burn injuries to enable them to confidently deal with this often-emergency situation. It followed the systematic approach to trauma emergency management and treatment of a severely injured patient taught by the Royal Australian College of Surgeons in their Early Management of Severe Trauma course.

The training day concluded with case simulations that strengthened the learning experience and enhanced the confidence of doctors and nurses in responding to the unique needs of patients with severe burn injuries during resuscitation.