General News
20 June, 2024
Sue Smith shares her story
“I sustained full thickness burns to my body and spent approximately two months recovering in hospital.” That is Sue Smith detailing the extent of her injuries following an incident that changed her life forever. “When I was three years old, I...
“I sustained full thickness burns to my body and spent approximately two months recovering in hospital.”
That is Sue Smith detailing the extent of her injuries following an incident that changed her life forever.
“When I was three years old, I was drying my doll’s hair by the open wood fire when I accidentally fell into the fire,” she said.
“My sibling raised the alarm and my mother sustained burns herself to get me out of the fire — I would not be alive today if not for her bravery.
“Unfortunately when I was injured, the first aid at the time was applying butter to the wound — while in hospital, I received skin grafting. Several years later, I had further skin grafting and surgeries.
“As a young girl, my self confidence was stolen, it was not until I received christian counselling in my 30s where I was able to accept and be comfortable in my own skin. I am very thankful for the lady who counselled me and helped me begin to heal my body, soul and spirit.”
Ms Smith has decided to share her story as part of June’s National Burns Awareness Month, a campaign aimed to inform and educate people about the preventable measures and treatment of burn injuries.
According to the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand, 2896 patients were injured from burns during the 2022/23 reporting period across the two countries, with a quarter of patients being children.
In Australia, 94 percent of burn injuries are preventable, yet can have a substantial impact on the victim.
Despite her long-term trauma, Ms Smith was adamant on ensuring one moment would not define the rest of her life.
“In April 2022, I attended the Kids Foundation Victoria (KFV) Camp Phoenix held at Ballarat. It was at the camp, I found a piece of the jigsaw in my life that was missing,” she said.
“Later in 2022, I received an email from KFV enquiring if I would like to apply for a volunteer position on the first ever Australian and New Zealand Burns Association (ANZBA) Consumer Advisory Group.
“It was not something I would normally put my hand up for, but the thought of helping others made me apply.
“The research group involves weekend zoom meetings over two years, with the aim of improving outcomes for those affected by a burns injury. I feel privileged and grateful to be involved.”
When she isn’t preoccupied as a nurse at multiple local hospitals, Ms Smith is also a member of the first ever Priorities in Global Burns Research Priority Setting Partnership, run by the University of Bristol and the James Lind Alliance among others.
The global team with 28 members from 15 different countries aims to improve treatment and care for burn patients worldwide.
Correct first aid treatment inside three hours of a burn incident can reduce the severity of injury. Key steps to follow in preventing or treating burns and scalds include:
• Prevent — take action to prevent burn and scald injuries
• Remove — remove yourself from danger. Remove any clothing, jewellery or nappies from the burn area unless stuck to the skin
• Cool — place the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. Never place ice, oil or butter on the burn
• Cover — protect the burn with a clean dressing
• Seek — seek medical attention if the burn or scald is on the face, hands, lap or feet, is bigger than a 20-cent piece or is blistered
While she is thankful for the support she receives, Ms Smith said her journey should be a reminder of the constant dangers of burns.
“A burn injury can occur in any season — so I would strongly encourage people to be wise, look out for your family and friends, check for fire dangers, and know your burns injury first aid,” she said.
“I want to share my story to help raise awareness and show how my life has been blessed by greater positives than the negatives of a burns injury.
“I’m very grateful for the kind and caring people I have met in my life that allow me to focus on the positives that have happened for me.”
For more information, visit kidsafe.com.au/national-burns-awareness-month