How to Treat Firework Burns: First Aid Tips
Firework displays can transform an ordinary evening into something magical, but accidents can happen even with careful planning. Burns from fireworks range from minor to severe, and knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference to recovery time and minimising permanent damage. This guide walks you through the essential first aid steps to take if you or someone nearby suffers a firework burn.
Immediate First Aid for Firework Burns
When a firework accident occurs, your immediate response matters tremendously. The first few minutes after a burn can significantly impact the healing process and prevent complications.
Step 1: Remove Yourself from Danger
Before anything else, ensure you’re in a safe location. If clothing is on fire, remember the “stop, drop, and roll” technique to extinguish flames. Remove any jewellery or tight items near the burned area before swelling begins, but don’t remove clothing that’s stuck to the burn.
Once you’re clear of danger, you can begin treatment. Many injuries get worse when people panic and stay near active fireworks instead of moving to safety first.
Step 2: Cool the Burn
Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10-20 minutes. This reduces pain, swelling, and stops the burning process. Never use ice directly on burns as it can cause further tissue damage. For burns on the face, apply a cool, wet cloth instead of submersing.
If you’re unable to access running water immediately, any cool, clean fluid like milk can serve as a temporary alternative until proper cooling is available.
Step 3: Assess the Severity of the Burn
Burns are classified by their depth and extent:
First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness, minor swelling and pain.
Second-degree burns damage both the outer and underlying layer of skin, creating blisters, intense redness, and severe pain.
Third-degree burns destroy all layers of skin and can affect deeper tissues, appearing white or charred, and might paradoxically feel less painful due to nerve damage.
When you’re assessing burns on children, remember they have thinner skin than adults, so what might be a first-degree burn on an adult could be more serious on a child.
Step 4: Cover the Burn
After cooling, cover the burn with a clean, non-adhesive bandage or cloth. Cling film works particularly well as a temporary dressing because it doesn’t stick to the wound and provides a barrier against infection. Apply it loosely over the burn rather than wrapping it around a limb, which could cause constriction if swelling occurs.
The main purpose of covering a burn is protection, not pressure. You need to keep contaminants out while letting the skin begin its healing process.
Step 5: Manage Pain and Prevent Infection
For pain relief, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if taken according to the package instructions. Don’t apply creams, ointments, or butter to fresh burns—these can trap heat and increase infection risk. If blisters form, leave them intact as they protect against infection.
Keep the burn clean and change dressings regularly. Watch for signs of infection such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Help
While many minor burns can be treated at home, some require professional medical attention. You should seek immediate medical help if:
The burn is larger than the palm of your hand It involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a major joint The burned skin appears leathery, charred, or has white, brown, or black patches The person shows signs of shock (pale skin, weakness, rapid pulse) There’s significant smoke inhalation accompanying the burn The burn was caused by chemicals or electricity
People often underestimate burns from fireworks. Chemical components in fireworks can make these injuries more complex than ordinary heat burns, which is why getting them properly checked is so important.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Treating Firework Burns
Several well-intentioned actions can actually worsen burn injuries. Avoid these common mistakes:
Applying ice directly to burns. Using butter, oil, toothpaste or other home remedies. Popping blisters. Using fluffy cotton wool or materials that may shed fibres into the wound. Applying too much pressure to burned areas Ignoring signs of infection
Remember that learning how to handle fireworks safely is the best preventative measure against burns in the first place!
How to Prevent Firework Burns
Prevention remains better than treatment. When you’re planning a firework display, take these precautions:
Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby Assign a responsible, sober adult to handle fireworks. Maintain safe distances—at least 25 metres for most consumer fireworks. Wear eye protection and gloves when lighting fireworks. Never let children handle fireworks, including sparklers (unattended), which burn at temperatures hot enough to melt glass. Thoroughly soak used fireworks in water before disposal
And if you’re planning to order display fireworks online, remember that most burn injuries during celebration seasons could be prevented with proper safety measures and supervision.
Final Thoughts
Firework burns require prompt, appropriate first aid to minimise damage and promote healing. By following these steps and knowing when professional medical care is necessary, you can better handle emergencies should they arise during your celebrations.
Remember that while this guide provides first aid information, it’s no substitute for professional medical assessment. When in doubt about the severity of a burn, always err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.
Stay safe, be prepared, and enjoy the spectacle of fireworks with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re ready to respond if an accident happens.
