ARTICLE>> Fireworks:
Play It Safe
Treating
Burns
Every year, consumers purchase fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawke's night
or New Year. Others may buy firecrackers for the sheer enjoyment of setting
them off anytime of the year. There are restrictions on fireworks sales
and legal limits on their acceptable use. In general, a public site is selected
that is free of flammable material and is suitable for the specific needs
of the fireworks themselves.
However individuals still set off sparklers, bottle rockets, firecrackers
or buzz bombs in privacy of their homes. Conscientious users will provide
a means of fire-prevention, usually a supply of sand or water.
Despite all precautions, accidents involving fireworks can and do occur
every year. Whether you are a participant or a casual observer at a fireworks
display, here are some first aid tips to keep in mind should an accident
occur, particularly one that causes a burn.
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Before
an accident has a chance to happen,
take safety precautions.
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Besides preparing for a firework that misfires,
prepare for the possibility of a human mistake.
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Have a first aid kit and ice water readily available.
If an accident is severe enough to warrant the emergency
services, you'll want to save as much time as possible.
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The sooner treatment is started (usually at home),
the better for all involved.
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If fireworks burn someone, be prepared to come to their aid
while waiting for medical help.
IMMEDIATE CARE
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Promptly seek medical help to ensure proper treatment and to minimise permanent skin damage. Burns associated with fireworks are usually are partial thickness burns affecting mostly the upper layers of skin.
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Major burns require a specialist's care, because they may result in injuries that penetrate various skin layers, damaging tendons and muscles.
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Remove from source of burn.
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Remove smouldering or contaminated clothes.
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Rapidly cool burns by putting the part of the body under running water or by immersing it in ice water. This should be done for about 5 minutes. This is also the single most important step that will help reduce the damage.
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If burns cover large portions of the body, don't cool the entire body because the core body temperature will drop too low. Use cooling only on burns.
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Apply a fresh sheet of ordinary kitchen cling film across the burn.
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Next wrap over with clean towels or sheets.
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Elevate burnt areas to reduce swelling and to stimulate the healing process. The more swollen the wounds are the more painful they can be. Swelling also delays healing.
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Never burst blisters, which may cause infection because they act as natural dressings that help heal wounds. Rather, allow blisters to open naturally, and then apply antibiotic creams.
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Avoid sun exposure, which enhances scarring, while burns are healing or blisters are present. After the wounds have healed, always wear maximum sun-block protection over scars during sun exposure to minimise skin damage.
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Once blisters disappear, use over-the-counter creams high in aloe, which are very soothing.
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ALWAYS Follow the Fireworks Code
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