Cape Town: The City firefighters have impacted the young lives. The Fire and Rescue Service has donated over R45,000 to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. The money will go towards the burns service of Children’s Hospital Trust.
Firefighters of Cape Town started raising money for the burns of the hospital unit in 2009. Back in 2012, the government has decided to expand on the initiative which was taken to raise the funds at the annual fire-fighters ball. The funds come from the ticket sales and donations that was generated from the Llandudno Community.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith confirmed that the firefighters are on the frontlines daily, saving lives. As first responders, the firefighters see how young lives are impacted by the havoc and aftermath of fires.”
Alderman Smith said, “Our men and women in uniform are not only wiling to put their lives on the line but their passion goes beyond the job.” He stated that it is an annual initiative that shows the hearts and calling to commend them.
Reportedly, the project is spearheaded by the Assistant Chief of District West, Arlene Wehr and Station Commander – Mark Adams of the Training Academy.
As per the sources, the burns service at the Red Cross Children’s War Memorial Hospital is considered to be one of the busiest services in the hospital with children and their families that travel long distances to get to the hospital.
Burns are the third leading cause of the deaths that occur due to injuries in children. Therefore, the hospital is specialised in burns ward that admits 800 to 1000 children every year.
Additionally, 4000 to 5000 outpatient contact visits hospital every year. The Mayoral fund of the city further supports the Red Cross Hospital with an overall amount of R750,000 last year.
Considering this the Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Hospital Trust – Chantel Cooper stated that the children from the remote areas move from multiple health facilities with some that have extended the waiting time on ambulances before accessing the specialised care that they require urgently at the Red Cross Children’s war Memorial Hospital.
CEO Cooper said, “This not only delays crucial treatment but also heightens the risks and prolong recovery periods that also places undue strain on families who are already grappling with immense challenges.”
“With the Burns Project, we want to strengthen burns services for children in the Western Cape to ensure earlier intervention, improve overall outcomes and reduce the burden on families who do not reside near Cape Town. We are grateful to donors such as the Fire and Rescue Services of City of Cape Town for believing and supporting the cause,” confirmed Chantel Cooper.