Unfortunately, firecracker accidents are repeated every year. With a view to the San Juan festival, we tell you the Civil Protection tips for handling firecrackers and an introduction to first aid in the event of an accident.
The Interior Department of the Generalitat of Catalonia has posted in its web a series of tips and materials to enjoy a festival with caution. Here is a summary:
Tips for firecrackers:
- Pyrotechnics should always be purchased in authorized establishments and the instructions must be read before handling them.
- Firecrackers should never be carried in pockets or with a bag in hand.
- Use safe means to light them like wicks.
- We will choose a safe area to light firecrackers, never near flammable liquids.
- At home, we will collect the awnings, the hanging clothes and close the windows.
- We will place the firecrackers on the ground to light them, never in the hand.
- If a firecracker has not lit well, we will not touch it until after half an hour and we will soak it with water.
- Avoid introducing firecrackers into bricks, bottles, mailboxes or burying them as the detonations project shrapnel that can cause injuries.
- Do not shoot rockets or light bonfires within 500 meters of wooded areas or in crowds of people.
If still, something goes wrong we have to know how to act in the situation. The basic rules of first aid are:
- First we will soak the wounds with cold water.
- We will remove objects that retain heat, such as rings or bracelets.
- We will wash the wounds with soap and water.
- We will never puncture the blisters.
- If a foreign body gets into our eyes, we will not scratch it, we will put on a gauze and go directly to the doctor.
- We will contain the hemorrhages with one or more clean gauze, never with cotton.
- Although it seems like a minor wound, it is best to see a doctor.
Now you have all the tips to have a good San Juan festival!