You can’t be too careful during the São João festivities, which will last throughout the month of July. During the festivities, many accidents are reported due to the handling of fireworks and typical bonfires.
The hands are the most affected in accidents, says the president of the Brazilian Society of Hand Surgery (SBCM), Antonio Carlos da Costa.
Survey carried out by society, based on figures from the Ministry of Health, the highest occurrence is attributed to second-degree burns, with injuries to the upper limbs: hands and wrists – the most exposed parts -, arms, trunk, face and eyes .
It is also not uncommon for this type of accident to be fatal, leading to death or causing serious and permanent injuries. Men aged 15 to 50 are the main victims. “In general, as fire accidents are followed by explosions, which cause severe burns, there are also cases of amputations or deformities of the upper limbs, as well as the face, which are the areas most affected”, observes Costa.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 180,000 people die each year from general burns, considered the fifth most common cause of non-fatal injuries in childhood.
When they do not cause death, they can cause morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, disfigurement, scars and disability.
The Unified Health System (SUS) recorded almost 5 thousand hospitalizations due to burns in three months. From January to March this year, 4,809 people were hospitalized, an average of 52 daily hospitalizations due to burns. Throughout last year, there were 19,522 hospitalizations. In the outpatient area, in the first three months of 2024, 34,567 burn treatments were provided.
According to the expert, between June and July, with the festivities of São João, Fireworks are the biggest danger to your hands. In general, accidents are followed by explosions that cause serious burns and even amputations. “In relation to bonfires, during the lighting process, especially if flammable materials are being used, such as paper, dry wood or alcohol, pops and splinters can occur, which hit the hands, causing burns, explains Antonio Carlos da Costa. In case of an accident, he recommends the following procedure: cleaning a light burn should be done with running water, using a gentle jet, for around ten minutes. Afterwards, a cold compress should be applied to the area. If the burn is severe, go to a healthcare facility immediately.
Types of burns
Burns are classified according to how deep they reach the skin.
First degree: when the lesions only affect the epidermal layer.
High school: when there is involvement of the epidermis and the superficial or deep layer of the dermis.
Third degree: In addition to the skin, it affects other tissues such as the subcutaneous tissue, muscles, tendons and even bones.
Important recommendations
The Brazilian Society of Hand Surgery lists guidelines to avoid accidents of this type and recommendations in cases of occurrences.
– If you decide to use fireworks, be sure to follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Keep a safe distance when lighting fires and never point them towards people, animals or flammable objects.
– Keep a safe distance from fires to avoid burns caused by intense heat. Never leave children unattended near fires and avoid running or playing too close to them.
– Keep children under constant supervision during festivities to ensure they do not engage in dangerous activities that could result in burns.
– In the event of an accident, never remove tissue stuck to the burned skin or remove foreign bodies from the burned area.
– Never put butter, coffee grounds, toothpaste or any other substance on the burn; Only the healthcare professional knows what should be applied to the affected area.
Information from Agência Brasil
Source: CNN Brasil
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