by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy
https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-light-macro-person-sparkler-1839456/
Around 250,000 people are treated in A and E for burns every year in the UK. 100 people require hospital admission every year from a firework injury, around 20% of whom are aged 14 or under. With Bonfire Night approaching, would you know what to do for a burn?
Here are some first-aid tips that might come in handy.
Fireworks and burns
Firework burns are often caused by picking up a used sparkler and not realising the tip is still scalding hot. The firework causes a burn by radiating intense heat – a single sparkler can be 2000 degrees – which is even hotter than a blowtorch! If gunpowder explodes near your face, eyes, or hands, burns can be severe and require emergency medical attention by calling 999.
What to do
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Cool the burn by putting the affected area under cool running water
If it is a large burn it might be best to do this in the shower. Use cool water, not icy water, or ice. If you don’t have access to running water, you can pour cold soft drinks, beer or milk over the burn. Do this for at least 20 minutes.
If you need to call an ambulance, cool the burn while you are waiting.
Burns in babies and small children can be dangerous so should almost always be assessed in A and E. In adults, large burns, those that are bigger than the palm of the hand, or those affecting the face, genitals, fingers/hands or joints, or those that blister, should also be seen in A and E.
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Cover the burn with clingfilm, or a clean plastic bag.
There is no need to dry the burn – they are best left moist.
Do not apply butter, oil, toothpaste or any other applications. Wait for the medical team to advise if any antiseptic cream is needed. Don’t burst any blisters – leave them alone.
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The burn should be covered with a sterile dressing
This should be a nonadherent dressing, covered with a crepe bandage. The dressing should be changed every 48 hours. Take care not to contaminate the wound – change the dressing with clean hands and only touch the edge of the dressing.
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Take painkillers
Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen may help. They can be given together. Do not give aspirin to children aged under 16. Always check the dose and timing of any painkillers and take care if you are already taking any other medication, even over-the-counter preparations, so you do not inadvertently give yourself an overdose. Always take painkillers responsibly.
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Check your tetanus vaccinations are up to date –
You may need a booster.
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Look out for signs of infection
Burns very commonly become infected. If over the next few days, the burn becomes increasingly painful, red, swollen, and/or is weeping with yellowish fluid, it is likely to be infected. You may also develop a high temperature. See your GP as you will need antibiotics. Burns can cause cellulitis, which can cause life-threatening sepsis, so you need to get immediate medical attention.
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If the burn hasn’t healed in 2 weeks
See your GP or contact NHS 111
Prevention is better than cure
Always use fireworks safely. Only purchase fireworks with a Class C rating. Light them outside and keep a bucket or a hose nearby in case of fire or an accident. When lighting individual fireworks, have one person designated to do this, safely attired with goggles and earplugs. Do not drink excess alcohol when using fireworks. Keep fireworks out of reach of small children.
- Stay safe this Bonfire night!
For more information
- NHS – Burns and scalds
