FDNY: Treating Summer Burn Injuries

By qgazette | on June 09, 2023

Fire officials have repeatedly urged New Yorkers to leave firework displays to the experts, and make sure that people follow proper precautions when firing up the backyard grill.

Sadly, dozens of people still suffer severe burn injuries each summer at backyard barbeques, illegal fireworks displays and other festivities marking the history and independence of America. Hospital emergency rooms are filled each year with people who suffer severe burns while setting off illegal explosives – and onlookers who are burned by amateur displays that get out of control.

As part of its ongoing effort to keep New Yorkers safe and avoid summer burn injuries, the FDNY has again released its "Burn Concern" fact sheet with information on what to do if a burn injury occurs during indoor/outdoor summer celebrations or backyard barbeque.

NOTE: Officials advise that you call 911 for help or seek medical attention as soon as possible in the case of a severe burn injury.

For Minor Burns:

Use an antiseptic spray to relieve and prevent infection. Oatmeal-based antiseptics help remove heat.

Cover with a clean, dry dressing. Wash daily with soap and water and change dressing. Seek immediate medical attention if wound begins to drain excessively or have a foul odor.

Larger Surface Area Burns – burns larger than a fist:

Cool the area as suggested above, cover with a dry, clean dressing and seed immediate medical attention

Assisting Electrically Burned Victim:

Do not touch victim if he/she is in touch with the source of the electricity. Dial 911 for immediate assistance.

Burns suffered from exposure to illegal firework displays, flash flames, hot liquids, hot metal, flash explosions and the use and/or storage of scooters, mopeds or other vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries are at the top of the FDNY list of burn injuries, fire officials said.

"More than half of all burns are scald burns resulting from exposure to hot tap water, boiling water (and other liquids) and kitchen burns," officials said. "Family get-togethers and backyard barbeques present a significant risk of scald burns resulting from accidents, carelessness or too many cooks at the grill."

For more information visit: www.fdnyburnconcernfactsheet.nyc.gov.

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