With the 4th of July around the corner, we’re all looking forward to seeing the fireworks light up the sky. Professional pyrotechnic displays are a marvel to behold, but many people decide to forgo attending these events to light a display of their own. Firework accidents happen every year around this time, and you need to have a plan in place to address an accident if it occurs. Sure, none of us ever expect anything to go wrong, but in the remote possibility that an accident occurs, preparation is key to limiting the injury and fast-track recovery. What should you do if you get hurt by fireworks?
What Should You Do if You Get Hurt by Fireworks?
This brief guide covers an action plan to keep you safe around fireworks this 4th of July.
A Guide to Treating Firework Injuries
This guide will look at how to deal with the different types of burns caused by fireworks. Each level requires a different approach to managing the situation.
How to Treat First-degree Firework Burns
First-degree burns are mild and don’t require you to rush to the emergency room for treatment. You can treat first-degree burns at home with a basic first-aid kit and no professional medical supervision.
- Start with cleaning the wound. Apply cool water to the burn area, but avoid using cold water to treat the burn.
- Cover the injured area with a moist, sterile dressing and secure it in place.
- If the victim is in pain, administer an over-the-counter painkiller to make them comfortable.
How to Treat Second-degree Firework Burns
A second-degree burn is more severe than a first-degree burn. This injury affects the layers of skin under the surface and often leads to blistering. A second-degree burn requires a more intensive level of treatment but also might not require a trip to the emergency room or urgent care clinic for professional treatment.
Follow these steps to treat a second-degree burn:
- Place the affected area under cool, not cold, water for ten minutes to soothe the pain and inflammation.
- After the affected area cools off, cover the injury with a moist, sterile dressing.
- Don’t use fluffy dressings, or you increase the risk of infection.
- If the affected area is larger than the palm of your hand, seek medical attention.
- Don’t apply ointment to the injury or pop any blisters that form.
- You can administer an OTC medication to reduce pain symptoms.
How to Treat Third-degree Firework Burns
A third-degree burn is a severe injury and requires immediate medical attention. However, there are steps you can take on-site to limit the effect of the burn. A third-degree burn is a deep injury to the skin’s subcutaneous layers and may damage nerve endings.
Call an ambulance immediately and follow these steps while you wait for medical assistance.
- Remove clothing contacting the burn unless stuck to the skin.
- Run the affected area under cool water for at least 10 minutes.
- Cover the wound in a moist, non-fluffy, sterile dressing to stop infection.
- Don’t apply ointment or pop blisters.
- It’s best not to administer pain medication as it won’t kick in before the patient arrives at the hospital.
- The ambulance team will judge what pain medication to use, if any.
Firework Related Injuries
Loss of Toes, Fingers, or Limbs
If a person loses a foot, toe, hand, or finger in an accident involving fireworks, follow these steps for immediate medical treatment.
- Call the ambulance immediately.
- Cover the missing appendage in sterile, moist gauze.
- Place the lost appendage in a sterile plastic bag.
- Place the bagged appendage on ice. Don’t place it directly on ice without bagging it.
- Wait for the ambulance or drive them to the emergency room.
- Drive the victim to the nearest medical location.
Eye Injuries
- If debris or sparks enter the eye, place a plastic cup over the affected eye to prevent friction and create a shield.
- Don’t flush or rub the eye.
- Call the ambulance or drive to the emergency room.
Firework Safety: Tips for Preventing Firework Injuries
If you’re planning to light fireworks and enjoy a fireworks display at home this Fourth of July, follow these guidelines for a safe experience.
- Don’t hold any fireworks after lighting them.
- Don’t wear loose clothing.
- Tie back long hair.
- Don’t point fireworks in the direction of buildings or people.
- Keep a first-aid kit close by.
- Ensure there’s someone available to drive to the emergency room if an accident occurs.
- Do not light fireworks while impaired.
- Keep a safe distance and light fireworks one at a time.
Additional Information: Firework Safety Tips – National Safety Council
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