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.
-
Before
an accident has a chance to happen, take safety precautions.
-
Besides
preparing for a firework that misfires, prepare for the possibility
of a human mistake.
-
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.
-
The
sooner treatment is started (usually at home), the better for all
involved.
-
If
fireworks burn someone, be prepared to come to their aid while waiting
for medical help.
-
Promptly
seek medical help to ensure proper treatment and to minimise permanent
skin damage. Burns associated with fireworks are usually partial
thickness burns affecting mostly the upper layers of skin.
-
Major
burns require a specialist's care, because they may result in injuries
that penetrate various skin layers, damaging tendons and muscles.
-
Remove
from source of burn.
-
Remove
smouldering or contaminated clothes.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Apply
a fresh sheet of ordinary kitchen cling film across the burn.
-
Next
wrap over with clean towels or sheets.
-
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.
-
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.
AFTER
CARE
-
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.
-
Once
blisters disappear, use over-the-counter creams high in aloe, which
are very soothing.
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ALWAYS
Follow the Fireworks Code
- When buying
fireworks, make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly
marked for their intended use "Indoor, Garden or Display"
- Keep fireworks
in a sealed box or tin
- Use them
one at a time, replacing the lid immediately
- NEVER
put fireworks in your pocket
- Read the
instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp NEVER
use a naked flame
- Light fireworks
at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter
- Stand well
back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been
lit, it could explode in your face
- Ensure
that all children with fireworks are well supervised
- NEVER
throw fireworks
- Keep all
pets and animals indoors
- Take care
of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers
in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished
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