Page 181 - May 2018 - December 2018 Issue

Considered part of “Filipino Tradition”, fireworks are used to celebrate the
new year. But it doesn’t mean that it’s safe! An average of 250 people are
being rushed into the emergency room each day during the holiday season
due to fire works – related injuries.

Fire crackers of any kind are dangerous. Even sparklers, which many
parents think are safe, burn at almost 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can
melt metal. When something goes awry with fireworks, they can cause

serious burns, eye injuries, hand injuries and even death.

When faced with minor fire crackers Major burns, meaning the burned area is Light only one firework at a time.
injuries, do the following first aid large or the skin is broken, require Only use fireworks as intended: don’t
measures: immediate care at an emergency room try to alter, dismantle or combine them
or burn center. with other products. Never experiment
Cool the burn with cool water, NOT or make your own fireworks.
ice, for at least five minutes. Here are other fire cracker safety tips: Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass
Clean it with soap and water. containers.
Cover it with a bandage or clean, Use fireworks outdoors only. Never relight a “dud” firework or a
dry cotton dressing. Read and follow all warnings and firework that did not ignite successfully.
Call your doctor if the burn does instructions on packaging. Spectators should keep a safe distance
not feel or look better within 24 hours Never use fireworks while under the from the shooter: use common sense.
or if the burn is larger than the palm influence of alcohol. Have a designated Never throw or point fireworks at other
of your hand. sober firework shooter. people.
Never hold fireworks in your hand. Never carry fireworks in your pocket as
But it is important to note that ice Always wear eye protection when the friction could set them off.
should not be used to treat burns handling fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby in case
because it can further damage the Never have any part of your body over of a malfunction or fire.
tissue. After cleaning and covering the firework. Dispose of fireworks properly by
the burn, ibuprofen or Don’t light fireworks with a lighter or soaking them in water and disposing in a
acetaminophen can help relieve pain matches as your hand will be too close to trashcan.
and swelling in the affected area. the flame. Don’t forget to think about your furry
Always use a punk, which is a friends. Animals have sensitive ears and
Minor burns will usually heal on their smoldering stick that lights fireworks may be frightened or stressed by
own without further treatment and from a safer distance and does not use fireworks going off. Keep your pets
should show signs of improvement an open flame. indoors to help reduce the risk of them
within 24 hours. If the burn is still not Never allow young children to play getting loose or injured.
healed within two weeks, or if other with or ignite fireworks.
symptoms are present, call your Only those over the age of 12 should “The most effective way to prevent
doctor or head to your local handle sparklers and an adult should fire-works related injuries is to refrain
emergency room. always be present. from using firecrackers. If you choose to
Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat do so, make sure you exercise strict
surface away from houses, dry leaves and caution”
other flammable materials.

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