In order to work in a medical environment, and more specifically with burned patients, you obviously need a strong stomach. Even if the volunteer won't see the burns themselves, bandages and scars are part of the patients' daily life.

The volunteer takes the role of the mum or dad when these (or the close family) cannot stay with the child. You just need to pay attention to what the child feels in order to spend a day or night with him/her.  We all have gifts, some born, other hidden, and others still unrevealed!  No matter, the important is to be present with the child. You need to be able to listen, to reassure, and sometimes to be very patient.

At some point, the child will react more or less violently when facing the accident and the given treatments.  He has days "without", when nothing is good … not even the presence of the volunteer. "I don't want to see you", "I want you to leave now", " leave me alone" …

He will have to learn to accept his wounds, especially if on his/her face.  And also learn to live with the look of the others, from indifference to sheer horror (sometimes accompanied of cries).

The child will also need to learn how to readjust himself, learning again to say "please", "thank you", "I'd like to" rather than "I want",  and putting order in his room …

Stress will be set on hygiene : washing your hands before meals.  For the smaller ones, putting on a napkin or bib.

It is very important to keep a positive and optimistic mind : the accident has happened and cannot be changed !  The future is made of medical care, revalidation, loads of courage and will to make the most of it and erase the traces of the accident.  In this way the volunteer can positively contribute to the well-being of the patients he takes care of.

Obviously, people with some experience in education or caring for children and patients will be alble to develop their talents to the service of the persons with burns.  Without forgetting what is sleeping in our deepest self : the gift to tell stories or to draw and colour, the sense of humour, an inexhaustible imagination … and all what contributes to make a child dream.