The Rotary Club of Matilda Bay used District Grant funding to help children in Zambales, Philippines with treatment for Burns.

Article by PDG Peter McKerracher OAM, PP of Rotary Matilda Bay

Triple B is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) that provides correct care and treatment for children and adults with burns, cleft lip/palate, and/or parasite infestation in Zambales, Philippines. Scalds or hot liquid burns are frequent causes of burns predominantly in children under 5 years old and patients are referred to the Triple B clinic.

RC Matilda Bay used a $5,000 District Grant ($2,500 from District and $2,500 from RCMB) to purchase 4,500 reusable eco-bags. Each bag was printed with a message to promote the use of cool running water for 20 minutes to cool the burn, and advise against first aid ‘treatments’ that are ineffective or exacerbate the severity of the burn.

Bags have been distributed to children who have completed their burns prevention and treatment education training. This includes orphans in the Subic Bay Children’s Home and teenage girls in a safehouse for those who have been abused or trafficked. Bags were also distributed to prison staff.

Anecdotal evidence has been recorded that the first aid message has been effective, and assessment of the effectiveness of the message on the bags is ongoing.