Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
First Aid in Fireworks Accidents (Part B)
Lacerations
Some lacerations can be treated at home; again it depends upon the severity of the injury. Assess the injury and try to stop the bleeding. If the wound is deep, the victim should seek professional medical attention as stitches may be required to close the wound. If the bleeding cannot be stopped, medical care should be sought.
Amputations
When a firework accident results in the amputation of a body part, most people are extremely frightened. Many times the loss will be a finger, hand, or arm; but could be any other body part as well.
Quick action needs to be taken:
- Apply a gauze pad to the wound to try to stop the bleeding
- Have someone contact emergency medical help (call 911)
- Have another person look for the missing body part
- If the body part is found, store it in a plastic bag; if ice is available, it would be good to help preserve the body part
- Get the victim medical attention, and bring the body part if possible
Eye injury
Eye injuries occur when sparks fly into the eyes. Sparklers are a common cause of eye injuries since they are usually held by children and can be close to the face. Another common cause is bottle rockets. In 2007, there were 1,400 eye related injuries treated in hospitals. Due to the nature and sensitivity of the eye, if injured, medical treatment should be sought right away.
PreventBlindness.org says the following steps can save your eyesight:
- Don’t rub the eye.
- Don’t rinse the eye.
- Don’t apply pressure to the eye.
- Don’t stop for medication.
- Don’t apply ointment.
When dealing with a fireworks accident, if clothing is on fire, remember what we’ve all been taught since elementary school:
- Stop – stop whatever you are doing
- Drop – get on the ground
- Roll – roll on the ground to put out the flames
If you are assisting someone whose clothing is on fire, help them to remember these rules. Additionally, you can wrap them in a non-flammable coat or rug prior to helping them roll on the ground to smother the flames.
If you or your child has been injured in a fireworks accident, through no fault of your own, seek the assistance of an experienced Boston child injury lawyer.
Kiley Law Group will evaluate your case for FREE. Contact us today at 1-888-208-1695. There are NO FEES unless one of our personal injury lawyers wins your case.
