Burn experts urge caution around fireworks and grills this Fourth of July

As families gather to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts and lake days, local hospitals are bracing for a spike in burn injuries.

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of year for burn units like the Alexander Burn Center at Hillcrest Medical Center. Medical staff there are urging residents to take safety precautions as they enjoy the festivities.

Why burn centers stay busy in July

Jessica Pilgrim, a registered nurse at the Alexander Burn Center, said the spike in injuries is no surprise.

“Naturally with fireworks, everybody’s getting out and setting off fireworks,” Pilgrim said. “It’s important to remember that they’re playing with fire. So typically fire wins, but we also get an increase in calls from grilling accidents.”

These types of accidents often lead to burns ranging from mild to severe.

However, Pilgrim said that the number of patients coming in for burns dropped last year when compared to two years ago. She said it's a trend she hopes will continue this year.

All burns should be checked out

Pilgrim said it’s critical to seek medical attention quickly, even for burns that seem minor. She said some burns can even lead to infection if you're not careful.

“It is very important that you seek it quickly because those burns can progress,” she said. “To avoid a longer healing time, we just want you to get in here and get checked out sooner rather than later.”

What to do — and what not to do — if burned

If you or someone else gets burned, Pilgrim advises rinsing the area with lukewarm water, patting down the area to make sure it's dry, apply a clean dressing, and seek medical attention. Do not use ice. Using ice on a burn can lead to what's called vasoconstriction.

“When you put ice or anything cold on it, it constricts those vessels, limits the blood flow, and then actually can cause the burn to be deeper,” she said.

Burns can be painful and treatments can be lengthy

Some burn injuries can take weeks or months to heal.

“Even if it doesn’t hurt in the beginning, it will hurt by the end,” Pilgrim said.

Depending on the severity, the treatments could also be painful.

“You could require inpatient stays. You could require high doses of pain medication. You could require multiple surgeries,” Pilgrim said.

Safety is the best strategy

The best way to avoid a trip to the hospital? Be careful and stay alert. Wearing clothing that is tight fitting can help keep them from catching on fire by from the grill or fireworks. Pilgrim also recommends keeping your hair pulled back if your hair is longer.

Pilgrim recommends following firework safety guidelines, keeping grills monitored at all times, and staying aware of your surroundings.