Tulsa -
EMSA medical experts warn citizens about fireworks safety and offered a few tips should injury occur.
"Minor burns may be treated at home with common first aid techniques, but second-degree burns need medical attention," said Captain Chris Stevens, EMSA public information officer. "If there is any question as to the severity of a burn, call 9-1-1 immediately."
According to EMSA, thousands of people are taken to hospital emergency rooms in the U.S. every year because of injuries from fireworks — including bottle rockets, sparklers, and firecrackers. The most common fireworks injuries involve the hands, fingers, eyes, head, and face.
First-degree or minor burns:
- Hold burned area under cool running water to reduce the heat level.
- Air Dry the burned area.
- Apply a topical anesthetic burn spray or use aloe Vera lotion or cream to moisturize the burned area.
- Treat the pain from a burn with Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (unless known allergies to these products exist).
Second-degree or more serious burns:
- Extinguish any fire on clothing or in the hair by smothering with a blanket or having the victim roll on the ground.
- Immerse affected areas of skin in clean, cool water and call 9-1-1.
- Loosely cover wounds in clean, dry gauze.
Tips and warnings:
- For a burn larger than the palm of your hand, call 9-1-1.
- If an eye injury occurs from fireworks, do not rub the eye. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Watch for shock symptoms in serious burn victims.
- Don't apply ointments, butter or salves to burns; they trap in the heat.
- Do not rupture blisters caused by burns.
- Treat the pain from a burn with Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (unless known allergies to these products exist).
Other resources for basic first aid instructions are available through the American Red Cross's "First Aid from American Red Cross" smartphone application available for iPhone and Android platforms. The app includes prioritized steps to take during an emergency, with 9-1-1 call button.
