Doctors warn about risks of handling fireworks

Although they are elements traditionally used in end-of-year celebrations, at Christmas and New Year’s Eve, fireworks pose potential danger if they are not handled with due attention. The alert is from the Brazilian Society of Hand Surgery (SBCM).

Data from the Ministry of Health reveal that from 2019 to 2022, the Unified Health System (SUS) recorded 1,548 hospitalizations for injuries caused by fireworks, at an average of one case per day. In 2023, preliminary information from the ministry shows a total of 266 hospitalizations with this same profile, carried out between January and September.

The company’s Communications Director, Sérgio Augusto Machado da Gama, said this Wednesday (6) to Brazil Agency that at this time of year, fires are a major concern for the entity, because of the accidents they cause. The hands, in particular, are the most exposed parts of the body, in addition to the wrist, face and eyes, inclusive. “These are the places where we see the most fireworks accidents.”

Care

The surgeon advocates that fireworks be admired from afar and not in private places by people who are not prepared for it. He indicated, however, that care can be taken to mitigate harmful effects, such as severe burns, injuries and even amputations. One of the tips is that, to release firecrackers, extensions must be used that maintain distance between the hand and the device.

Fireworks should only be purchased from specialized stores and not homemade and should not be reused when they do not light up. Avoiding drinking before lighting fireworks is another recommendation given by the doctor, as this increases the chance of accidents.

When it comes to children, extra care is taken. “Children should not release anything and should stay a safe distance away from any rockets or fireworks,” she said. “Unfortunately, it’s not just burns that result from fireworks. sometimes they are finger amputations. I have even had my entire hand amputated due to firecracker explosions.”

Burns

Severe burns require urgent care. For milder burns, without injury, the recommendation is to wash with running water, protect with a damp, clean cloth and seek medical attention. “These are measures that can be taken immediately”, explained the director of SBCM. On the other hand, he warned that you should not apply toothpaste, egg whites or butter to the burned area, as these products can cause infection in the area. “Sometimes blisters form, but only a doctor can pop them,” he warned.

In the case of injuries involving fractures and amputations, the procedure is to wash, protect the area and, if it is bleeding, compress it with a clean cloth and go to the emergency room. “Because the degree of severity of a burn after an explosion varies greatly. It goes from the first degree to terrible amputations.” Not to mention people who go blind, have retinal or eardrum damage. “It’s good to celebrate, but with caution.”

Sérgio Augusto Machado da Gama also commented that there are already cities in the world, such as Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, that have banned the practice of public fireworks, due to pollution, risk of accidents and crowds. Furthermore, fireworks, especially fireworks, cause stress in creatures with hearing sensitivity, such as babies, children, the elderly, autistic people and animals.

Experts

Founded in 1959, SBCM brings together doctors specializing in hand and upper limb reconstructive surgery. The institution promotes the training of professionals, in addition to providing conditions for permanent updating, in the form of teaching, research, continuing education, cultural development and professional defense.

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