Dr Abhinav Mani, Dr Ayush Shrivastava & Dr Parvez M Dar
As the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated, people across the globe are excited to celebrate it with vibrant colours, sweets, and, of course, the sound of firecrackers. While firecrackers bring joy and mark the joy of Diwali, they also carry the risk of burns and other injuries. Every year, the Emergency Departments of all hospitals report a large number of cases of burn injuries during this festival, especially children and young adults. By taking a few safety precautions and knowing essential first aid steps, we can all enjoy a safer Diwali and prevent these unfortunate accidents.
The following are some steps to prevent burn injuries from firecrackers and crucial first-aid steps to manage burn injuries until professional medical help is available. Whether you’re celebrating with sparklers or watching a firecracker show, following these safety guidelines can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe.
The Risks of Firecrackers and Common Types of Burns
Firecrackers contain flammable substances that can ignite with a small spark, and when mishandled, they can cause severe burn injuries. Different types of burns result from firecracker accidents, with varying levels of severity:
- First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Patients have redness, pain, and swelling. It usually heals within a week.
- Second-degree burns reach the deeper skin layer (dermis) and cause blisters, severe pain, and possible scarring.
- Third-degree burns affect all layers of the skin and even underlying tissues. These burns often require medical attention and can lead to long-term complications.
During Diwali, the most common types of firecrackers used include sparklers, rockets, flowerpots, and ground spinners. Each type poses specific risks. Sparklers can reach temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius, capable of causing severe burns with even a brief touch. Flowerpots and ground spinners can misfire, causing burns on the hands, feet, or legs. Rockets are unpredictable and may go in unintended directions, posing a risk of facial and upper-body burns.
Preventing Burn Injuries: Safety Tips for Handling Firecrackers
To reduce the risk of burn injuries, taking basic precautions is essential. Here are some safety tips to follow this Diwali: - Supervise Children Closely: Children are more vulnerable to burn injuries during the Diwali festival. Always supervise children near firecrackers and discourage them from lighting firecrackers independently.
- Clothing: Avoid wearing loose, synthetic clothes when around firecrackers, as synthetic fabrics catch fire easily. Use cotton clothes that are not too loose and less likely to catch fire if exposed to sparks.
- Light Firecrackers in Open Areas: Choose open spaces to light firecrackers, away from flammable materials like dry leaves, trees, or gasoline. Ensure that firecrackers are kept away from homes, electrical wiring, and vehicles.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: After lighting a firecracker, step back immediately to maintain a safe distance. Encourage others, especially children, to stay a few feet away from firecrackers.
- Keep First Aid Kit Handy: Make sure to have a first-aid kit nearby containing at least burn ointments, gauze and clean cloth pieces. It will help in providing immediate care in case of any burn incident.
- Use a Long-Lighter or Incense Stick: Avoid lighting firecrackers directly with matches or a lighter. Using a long sparkler or incense stick allows maintaining a safer distance while igniting the firecracker.
- Wear Eye Protection: Firecracker particles can lead to severe eye injuries. Use protective eyewear to safeguard against any flying debris or unexpected explosions.
First Aid for Burns
In case of a burn, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can prevent the injury from worsening and may even save a life. - Assess the Burn Severity
First, examine the burn area and check for the degree of burn: first, second, or third-degree - Remove the Heat Source and Protect the Area
If the burn has occurred, immediately remove the person away from the particular burning area and ensure no embers or heated materials are left on the skin. Remove clothing and jewellery from and near the burned area, as these can retain heat and cause further burn injury. - Cool the Burn area
Cool the affected area as quickly as possible.
4Use normal Tap Running Water: Run tap water over the burn area for at least 15-20 minutes. This will prevent further damage and also help to reduce pain, swelling, and heat. It is effective up to 90 – 120 minutes after the burn has happened.
4Avoid applying ice, home remedies or toothpaste: Ice can cause further skin damage. It may lead to frostbite or cold injuries. Applying toothpaste or home remedies can cause chemical burns, irritation of the skin, and more pain. It may also make it difficult for the doctor to assess the degree of burn. Instead, stick to normal tap water to ease the burn. - Clean and Cover the Burn area
4Use a Sterile Gauze or Clean Cloth: Cover the burn area with a sterile gauze or a clean, non-fluffy cloth. Avoid tight wrapping, as this can reduce blood flow to the area.
4Avoid Ointments and Creams on Severe Burns: Refrain from applying creams or ointments without medical advice. After cleaning the area, you can apply antibiotic ointments over minor burns. - Avoid Breaking Blisters
Blisters protect the underlying tissue and help prevent infection. Do not pop blisters, as this could increase the infection risk and slow the healing process. Leave them intact and cover the area loosely with gauze. - Seek Medical Help
Seek Medical Help whenever required: For burns of any type and degree, seek professional medical help. For Burns on the face, hands, feet, or joints, always consult a healthcare provider.
Teaching children about firecracker safety can go a long way in reducing accidents. Explain to them the potential risks, demonstrate safe handling, and encourage them to follow instructions carefully. Make it a family rule to respect safety guidelines and foster a culture of awareness and responsibility. Diwali is a time to celebrate and create lasting memories with family and friends. By taking the necessary precautions, following basic safety guidelines, and knowing how to handle a burn in an emergency, we can help ensure that the festival remains a time of joy, not distress.
Let’s commit to celebrating Diwali responsibly and reducing the number of preventable injuries this Diwali. Make safety a priority and spread this awareness among your family and community. This Diwali, let’s light up the sky and our homes safely, creating memories that shine brighter than any firecracker.
(The writers are from Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu).