EMSA Gives Tips On Staying Safe During 4th Of July Celebration

EMSA officials are advising people to be safe while celebrating the July 4th holiday this week. They gave us several tips in case you're injured using fireworks.

According to officials, minor burns can be treated at home with common first aid techniques, but second-degree burns need medical attention.

First-degree or minor burns:

• Hold burned area under cool running water to reduce the heat level.

• Air Dry the burned area.

• Apply a topical anesthetic burn spray or use aloe Vera lotion or cream to moisturize the burned area.

• Treat the pain from a burn with Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (unless known allergies to these products exist).

Second-degree or more serious burns:

• Extinguish any fire on clothing or in the hair by smothering with a blanket or having the victim roll on the ground.

• Immerse affected areas of skin in clean, cool water and call 9-1-1.

• Loosely cover wounds in clean, dry gauze.

Officials say the most common fireworks injuries involve your hands, fingers, eye, head and face.

Tips and warnings:

• For a burn larger than the palm of your hand, call 9-1-1.

• If an eye injury occurs from fireworks, do not rub the eye. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

• Watch for shock symptoms in serious burn victims.

• Don't apply ointments, butter or salves to burns; they trap in the heat.

• Do not rupture blisters caused by burns.

• Treat the pain from a burn with Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (unless known allergies to these products exist).

You can learn more about first aid instructions and safety tips on the American Red Cross' new smart phone app.

6/16/2012 Related Story: Red Cross Launches New First Aid App For Smart Phones