The danger of burning fire: On Monday evening, tens of thousands are expected to light Lag Ba’omer bonfires across the country. From past experience, MDA warns of the dangers of the igniting fire and calls for extra caution in handling bonfires and the injured.
Every year, Magen David Adom teams treat hundreds of injured people as a result of lighting bonfires. This year as well, MDA teams will be deployed and provide medical security at large lighting events that will take place across the country, with the largest concentrations expected in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Elad, Netanya, Tiberias and worshippers who were approved by security forces to ascend Mount Meron and hold the lighting events there.
MDA warns of the dangers on Lag Ba’omer, including collecting wood, lighting the bonfires and staying near burning bonfires. When collecting wood, care must be taken of nails and protruding objects that may cause injury. In case of injury, one should go within 48 hours to a health fund clinic to receive an anti-tetanus vaccine if the last one was not given in the past five years.
Do not enter abandoned fields for fear of snakes and other venomous animals. Do not enter construction sites either for fear of falls, injuries and cuts. If missile debris, interception parts or any other suspicious object is identified in open areas, everyone must be distanced from the place and the Israel Police must be called on the emergency line 100.
When setting up the bonfire, it must be ensured that an adult supervises its construction to prevent injuries. The location of the bonfire should be determined in an area clear of thorns and weeds and at a safe distance from buildings and facilities. Do not spray fuel or liquid ignition material on a burning fire. This action is very dangerous and may cause immediate injury to children and adults in the bonfire area.
Potatoes and onions are recommended to be skewered on a wire, with their insertion and removal from the fire done by an adult. Before serving them to children, it must be ensured that they are not too hot to eat. Hot potatoes and onions may cause severe burns in the mouth. At the end of the bonfire or the gathering, it must be ensured that the bonfire and smoldering coals are completely extinguished by pouring sand or water. If possible, the hot coals should be transferred to a coal collection facility.
If clothing catches fire, stop and do not run: One must lie on the ground and roll several times or “smother” the fire using a blanket or towel. The victim’s head should be kept exposed to prevent suffocation. Do not sleep in closed sleeping bags near a bonfire for fear of a fire trap. In case of a burn, the area should be cooled with lukewarm running water and MDA should be called at 101. Do not remove or tear off burned clothing that has stuck to the burn area. In case of a burn in a specific area of the body, the place should be immediately cooled with running water or cold, moist compresses, preferably sterile, should be placed on the burn. Cloth handkerchiefs or clothing may also be used. Do not puncture blisters, do not remove skin and do not apply ointments or greasy substances to the burn. If possible, jewelry should be removed from the injured person.
In case of a spark entering the eye, it is recommended to rinse the eye thoroughly with plenty of running water. Due to unusual air pollution from the thick smoke, MDA recommends that the elderly, pregnant women, heart patients, people with lung diseases as well as toddlers remain indoors with windows closed.
Dr. Itay Gal is a specialist in pediatrics, a sports and aviation physician and a researcher of infectious diseases. Health reporter and medical commentator for Maariv and a lecturer in the fields of medicine and innovation.
Source:
www.jpost.com
