New Year's Eve threats to eyes, ears and hands

New Year's Eve injuries: Pay attention to eyes, ears and hands

27/10/2014

The New Year is traditionally greeted by fireworks by most people. Because of accidents that happen, many emergency rooms in hospitals have to insert special shifts again and again. In particular, doctors warn against dangers to eyes, ears and hands on New Year's Eve.

Thousands injured every year
Like almost every year, doctors warn about New Year's Eve especially from dangers for eyes, ears and hands. According to a Friday statement, Thomas Reinhard's Department of Ophthalmology's Department of Ophthalmology Medical Director said thousands of people would be injured by guns or rockets every year. The doctors recommend special care when fireworks are burned off. „Because regularly it comes to burns on hands and face, injuries of the eye surface, hearing damage and blatant trauma“, explained Reinhard to the news agency dpa.

If something comes to mind
Especially self-built or unauthorized explosive devices are often the cause of serious injuries. Especially eye injuries that happen on New Year's Eve require a quick treatment. Experts point out that when the eye is hit, it should be covered and connected immediately with a clean cloth and an ambulance should be called. If possible, foreign bodies should not be removed by themselves. To avoid such injuries, it is advisable to wear protective goggles.

Böller and rockets can damage hearing
The explosion of an explosive device is an extreme burden on the ears. Therefore, they should be protected by earplugs and sufficient distance. New Year's Bullfighters, fired in the immediate vicinity, can be louder than a jackhammer and fired missiles two meters away as loud as a jet plane. Such noise can permanently damage the hearing. If the ear is injured or even blood runs out, seek medical attention immediately.

Burns on face and hands
Burning on hands and face is not uncommon on New Year's Eve. These often happen in connection with self-built or unauthorized explosive devices. For light burns on the hands and fingers, for example because a boomer has been held in the hand too long, the wounds should be immediately cooled under running cold water. If the burn injuries are greater or the skin blisters, a doctor must be consulted. Wounds that bleed should be connected.

Health risks from smoke
Another health hazard from New Year's Eve fireworks is the smoke caused by the fired guns and rockets. It contains particles of particulate matter which, when inhaled, can severely affect the respiratory tract. The result of this can be coughing, shortness of breath and burning eyes. In addition, the cardiovascular system may also be overburdened. In particular, lung patients suffering from, for example, asthma or smoker's lungs (COPD) should not stand directly in the smoke of fireworks. (Ad)