Our Lady of Lourdes is Southwest Louisiana’s only Burn Center that offers patients multidisciplinary care from initial admission through discharge.

In light of National Burn Awareness week, the doctors speak about the comprehensive burn treatment that’s provided at the center and prevention methods from several burn injuries. 

Two-year-old Jordy Sampy was running around the house, being a typical two-year-old boy. He recently had to check into Our Lady of Lourdes Burn center after his normal playing turned into a terrible accident.

“Just so happen the pot caught fire. When the pot caught on fire they were like well let’s bring the pot outside,” said Courtney Sampy as she describes the phone call she received about her son while she was at work. 

“He grabs my little brother’s leg, causing him to fall back and the pot titled over,” said Sampy. 

Specialist at the burn unit can treat life-threatening injuries, including- chemical burns and electrical burns to less serious wounds that may be caused by fire, steam or hot liquids.

“Most of what we see is outpatient. Through the course of a year, we’ll probably have 100 admissions.,” said Doctor Joey Barrios, the director of the Burn Center.

The doctors are striving to help prevent these cases from happening so often, reminding everyone to be aware of common of household hazards. 

Skull burn injuries and household accidents are considered the most common.

 Doctors describe how important it is to create safety zones inside homes, near electrical wires, bathroom electronics, and especially inside the kitchen. 

“Monitoring the temperatures of the hot water heater. Should not be set over 120 degrees feirinheight. Having no kid zones in the kitchen and around the stove and hot areas. Kids should not be taking hot liquids off of microwaves or countertops,” said Dr. Barrios as he lists ways to practice home safety zones.

This family said they’re being more cautious in their home from the tragic accident. “Now when someone’s cooking, he’s not allowed nowhere but in his room,” said Sampy. 

Anyone who suffers from a burn injury is advised to first run cool water over the affected area and seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

Physicians with the burn unit educate the community on burn prevention by visiting many schools across Acadiana to speak with students, as well as parents. 

Anyone interested in Our Lady of Lourdes doctor’s visiting a particular school can contact them by calling, (337) 470-BURN (2876) for more information.