The JMS Burn Center at Doctors Hospital is urging the community to prioritize safety when using fireworks during New Year’s Eve celebrations, as they can pose serious risks with incorrect handling.
“Every year, we see firework-related injuries around New Year’s Eve,” said Dr. Shawn Fagan, chief medical officer of the JMS Burn Center at Doctors Hospital, in a press release. “Most of these injuries are preventable with proper safety precautions. Our goal is to help everyone enjoy the holiday safely and avoid spending it in the emergency room.”
“Safety is key to ensuring a fun and injury-free celebration,” Dr. Fagan added. “Let’s ring in the New Year responsibly.”
Firework safety musts
Doctors Hospital offers several safety tips for using fireworks. These include: using legal fireworks that follow local laws and regulations, supervising children and only allowing responsible adults to handle fireworks, keeping a safe distance and lighting fireworks in open areas away from homes, dry vegetation and flammable materials, using safety equipment such as protective eyewear and gloves, keeping a bucket of water or garden hose close at hand in case of fires and avoiding re-lighting duds.
Tending minor burns
In the event of a minor burn, Dr. Fagan advises the following:
Cool the burn immediately with cool (not cold) water for 10-15 minutes. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage to protect it from infection.
Avoid home remedies such as butter or ointments, which can trap heat and worsen the injury.
Seek medical attention for burns that blister, cover a large area, or occur on sensitive areas like the face, hands, feet, or groin.
For severe burns, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
