Diwali 2016: Tips for dealing with fireworks-related burn injuries!

Diwali celebrations

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Yes, it's that time of the year again! Diwali, the festival of lights - a time of celebration and a time for reflection is here. During this time around, people of all ages have fun by enjoying delicious foods and burning crackers.

However, a lot of accidents, especially related to crackers, can happen no matter how careful you are about bursting firecrackers. Here are a few tips that can be useful while handling burn injuries so that your festive spirit remains intact:

• Make sure that you keep first aid kit ready and water buckets. This can act as a lifesaver in case of an emergency.
• If you, your friends or your family members get burn, cool the affected area by pouring cold water for atleast 10-15 minutes. Or use a clean towel dampened with cool tap water over the affected area to help soothe the pain. However, never use ice, iced water to soothe burns. Creams or greasy substances, such as butter should be avoided as well.
• If someone gets burn, immediately remove clothes and other jewellery accessories from the affected area.
• Use only clean, pure, water or saline solution, for treating the wounds.
• Do not burst/break the blisters that occur around the burnt area. In case burn blisters break accidentally, cover them loosely until you can see a doctor.
• Avoid applying ointment or antibiotic over the burnt area until the affected area has completely cooled down or without consulting a doctor, particularly in case of blisters.
• In case of eye injuries while lighting crackers, wash your eyes with tap water for at least 10 minutes and then immediately seek medical attention.
• Mild painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken in case the burnt is painful. However, checking with the doctor before taking them is a good idea.

Last but not least, do not panic as panicking will simply worsen the situation, especially if the burn victim is a child. Instead be calm and give him/her first aid until an ambulance arrives or you can see a doctor.