EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 As El Paso heads into the Fourth of July weekend, University Medical Center\u2019s Burn Center is urging residents to take burn risks seriously, especially around grills, campfires and fireworks.<\/p>\n
Dr. Philip Fidler, director of UMC’s Burn Center, the borderland’s first dedicated burn center, said common holiday activities can quickly turn dangerous.<\/p>\n
\u201cBarbeques are sources of flame injury, campfires are sources of flame injury, and, of course, fireworks. Fireworks can be particularly dangerous. One thing I would like the community to know is that sparklers, often treated as children’s toys, are as hot as wielding a torch, so they can cause a really bad burn and can start a fire. Be extra careful with sparklers,\u201d Fidler said.<\/p>\n
He also warned parents to watch for risky behavior involving fireworks.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeenage boys in particular tend to experiment with fireworks and often will break apart smaller firecrackers and add gunpowder, so parents need to be on the lookout for that and caution against it, as it can be very dangerous,\u201d Fidler said.<\/p>\n
Fidler said burn injuries can be severe and emphasized basic fire safety steps if someone\u2019s clothing catches fire.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe injuries are as severe as they can get. If you catch fire, if your clothing catches fire, of course, stop, drop, and roll. People should keep fire extinguishers handy, and fire blankets are good to have around, where you smother somebody who is engulfed in flames and get to them as soon as possible,\u201d Fidler said.<\/p>\n
As El Paso residents get ready to celebrate the holiday weekend, Fidler said if you happen to get burned, it is vital to get help as soon as possible, highlighting the importance of having specialized care available locally.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving a burn center in El Paso prevents the patient and the population from having to travel a long distance. It’s a real hardship if you have a moderately sized burn, your probably looking at a significant hospital stay, and it’s very difficult to travel. It’s a big expense. So we are really happy to provide an opportunity to take care of the community,\u201d Fidler said.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: City officials remind residents fireworks are banned in El Paso ahead of July 4<\/a><\/p>\n