While celebrating the holiday, burns - superficial or first degree - can result from partaking in any celebratory activities including parades, cookouts, swimming and fireworks.
The Red Cross suggests you make sure that exposed skin is covered with an appropriate sun block before heading outside, keep small children a safe distance from hot barbecue grills and outdoor fireplaces, never let children hold lit fireworks including sparklers, plan to attend a professional fireworks display rather than creating your own and treat burns immediately no matter how severe they are.
For proper burn treatment, Red Cross suggests you first stop the burning by putting out the flames or removing the victim from the source of the burn; cool the burn area by using large amounts of water. Do not apply ice or ice water on burns more severe than superficial burns, as ice causes a loss of body heat.
Instead, use whatever resource that is available - a tub, shower or garden hose or apply a soaked towel, sheet or other wet cloth to a burned face or other area that cannot be immersed. Be sure to keep cloths cool by adding more water.
Finally, cover the burn by using dry, sterile dressing or a clean cloth to cover the affected area and make sure the bandage is loosely in place. Covering the burn helps keep air out, reducing pain and keeping it from being infected.
For minor burns and ones with open blisters that do not require medical care, wash the areas with soap and water and keep it clean by putting on an antibiotic ointment, available from any local drug store.
The Red Cross reminds you that critical burns need immediate attention: call 9-1-1 if a burn victim is having difficulty breathing, if more than one part of the body is burned, if burns are on the neck, head, hands, feet or genitals, if a child or an elderly person has been burned or if chemicals, electricity or explosions have caused burns.
For more information about burn treatment visit www.seattleredcross.org.
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