Cold fire does not exist
“That won’t happen to me,” most people think. Still, fireworks make victims every year. Much of this suffering can be prevented by handling the fireworks safely. If something does go wrong, then quick and adequate action is necessary.
Did you know that the sparks that are released when fireworks are ignited can have a temperature of 1000 degrees Celsius? They can therefore cause very nasty burns.
burns
Keep firecracker burns under cool, gently running water for at least ten minutes. Do not use water that is too cold, otherwise you could become hypothermic. This is especially true if a large area of skin has been burned. Good cooling relieves the pain, but also ensures that the burn does not penetrate deeper into the skin.
With a small, superficial burn, you can apply burn ointment yourself. With a deeper or large burn – bigger than the palm of your hand – you should go to the doctor or hospital right away. Do this even if the burnt skin does not hurt and is gray to black in color. Call the emergency number 112 for an ambulance and advice.
Other injuries
If you suffer an eye injury – in any form – you should see a doctor. An eye is very fragile and without proper care you can have long-term problems.
If a finger or other body part is torn off by fireworks, you should also immediately go to the emergency room. If you still have the finger, keep it in a clean, sealed bag and place it in a bowl of cold water and ice cubes. Make sure the finger does not freeze. Open wounds should also always be treated by a doctor or in hospital.
When setting off fireworks – but also if you are just looking at them – pay attention to the following:
Never do
- Wear synthetic or hooded clothing.
- Fireworks from your hand. You can lose your fingers, hand and even your arm.
- Throwing firecrackers for yourself or someone else. They can change routes and explode in the face or on clothing.
- Fireworks again. Refusers can unexpectedly explode. Also fireworks that have not gone off and are still on the street the next day, it is better to leave them alone.
- Using self-propelled fireworks that have an unpredictable trajectory, such as firecrackers or screaming kitchen maids. They are not only officially banned, but also very dangerous.
- Have children set off stars. The burning part of the stars is about 1500 degrees Celsius!
- Keep fireworks in your pocket or jacket pocket, because of the risk of explosion.
Do well
- Keep your distance. Also with the so-called ‘cold fire products’, such as asterisks. There is no such thing as cold fire.
- Consider wearing safety glasses. This way you protect your eyes against sparks and fireworks coming your way.
- Be extra careful with firecrackers, firecrackers and strings. These types of fireworks are responsible for the most accidents and injuries.
- Don’t be fooled by the name decorative fireworks. The lighting of these fireworks also entails risks.
- Before setting off fireworks, check the wind direction so that you are not surprised by a gust of wind.
- Keep your ears closed, put cotton wool in them, keep your distance or look out the window. The bangs that fireworks produce can damage hearing and lead to deafness.
- If you want to set off fireworks, buy them from the official sales outlets on the allowed dates. Never attempt to produce fireworks yourself.
- Perhaps unnecessary to mention, but read the manual.
- When setting off firecrackers, always place firecrackers in a bottle half filled with sand or water. Decorative fireworks are best lit on a stable surface.
- The safest way to light off is with a lighter fuse, cigarette or cigar.
PLEASE NOTE: You must be very careful with fireworks. The editors have tried to give the best possible advice and can therefore not be held responsible for incorrect use of fireworks and its consequences.
