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As every year in France, the national holiday of July 14 is accompanied by the explosion of many firecrackers and fireworks. Handled carelessly, these explosives can become dangerous. It is therefore essential to remember the risks they represent and the attitudes to adopt in the event of an accident. Decryption with Doctor Alexandre Kilinc, hand and shoulder surgeon at the Jouvenet Institute and at the Claude Galien Private Hospital.
Doctissimo: What are the most common injuries related to the use of firecrackers?
Dr Alexandre Kilinc : The most serious injury caused by firecrackers is amputation, whether total or partial. Victims are exposed to burns on the skinHas deep lesions and major broken hands. Surgeons in orthopedic services very regularly see very seriously affected patients arriving, the most often affected being adolescents.
The aesthetic consequences caused by these accidents are serious and the complex lesions found in these wounds are not not always repairable. In an emergency we will do a lesion assessment where we will examine the wounds, repair the nerves, the fractures, the skin and provide care that can last several weeks or several months.
What to do in the event of an accident linked to a firecracker or fireworks?
It is advisable to turn to SAMU (by calling 15) or firefighters. The first thing to do is to protect your hand in a clean glove and contact quickly an SOS Hands center. They are distributed throughout France. These units specialize in receiving and caring for this type of injury. The teams are accustomed to welcoming more injuries around July 14, with several patients operated on the night of the national holiday. Serious injuries can take several hours of surgical treatment.
- You have to start with read the instructions carefully before using the equipment;
- He is not recommended to relight a wick that has already been extinguishedit’s necessary throw it away ;
- Think of follow and comply with the law on ignition near dwellings or people;
- And especially, always respect the safety distance recommended between you and the explosive material.