Pantai hospitals equip Batu Pahat community with burn response skills

BATU PAHAT: Pantai Hospital Melaka and Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat have equipped residents with practical knowledge on managing burn injuries and responding to fire-related emergencies.

The hospitals brought together healthcare professionals, emergency responders and members of the community for the Burn Awareness Campaign 2026 at Batu Pahat Mall recently.

The campaign focused on helping the public understand what to do in the crucial first few minutes of an emergency, covering burn management, emergency response and fire prevention.

Pantai Hospital Melaka chief executive officer Dr Kevin Khoo said many burn injuries occur during everyday situations, making it important for people to know how to respond quickly and correctly.

"Many burn injuries happen in ordinary, everyday moments, whether at home, in the kitchen, or during a simple accident.

"That is why knowing what to do in those first few minutes matters so much. A calm, correct first response can prevent a burn from becoming more serious and can change the course of a patient's recovery," he said.

He said the hospital treated a wide range of burn cases, from minor injuries to those requiring specialist surgical care.

"Bringing this expertise directly to communities like Batu Pahat helps residents recognise when a burn can be managed at home, and when it's time to seek further medical attention," he added.

The campaign featured health talks by specialists from Pantai Hospital Melaka on the immediate and longer-term management of burn injuries.

Emergency Medicine consultant Dr Teh Yong Hup explained how burn patients are assessed and stabilised in the Emergency Department, including when medical attention is required instead of home treatment.

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Lee Shi Zhen highlighted the longer-term impact of serious burns, including complications such as burn sepsis and contractures, and the importance of specialist follow-up care.

The campaign also included a fire safety awareness talk by the Penggaram Fire Station on common household fire risks and practical measures families can take to improve home safety.

The Batu Pahat St John Ambulance also conducted CPR demonstrations and provided basic emergency response guidance.

Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat acting chief operating officer Tiong Ngee Zheng said the campaign reflected the hospital's role in supporting the community beyond patient care.

"Batu Pahat is the community we serve every day, and we want our role to extend beyond caring for patients when they come through our doors.

"This allowed us to make practical health information and preventive screenings more accessible to families," he said.