New Year's injuries head injuries most often

DAK: Every year thousands of rockets and bangers get hurt

28/12/2010

Burns, hearing damage, eye and head injuries - in the last days of the year, several thousand people in Germany repeatedly violate fireworks. Alone at the DAK last year around 3000 insured had to be treated for a New Year's Eve accident.

New Year's Eve party in the hospital
„The merry beating often ends in the emergency room“, says Elisabeth Thomas, a doctor at the DAK. „Most common are head injuries.“ Often the accident is not even indebted. Because many do not pay attention to where they throw the boulders: „The bangers whiz back and forth past one“, so Thomas. „But they are not only dangerous when hit by them, but also when they explode next to you.“

Hearing damage due to Böllerexplosion
New year bulls who start in the immediate vicinity may be louder than jackhammers and permanently damage their hearing. „Also ignited rockets can be as loud as a jet plane in two meters distance“, knows Elisabeth Thomas. „Such impulse noise damages more than continuous noise. Earplugs can help here.“

Cool burns immediately
Those who hold the guns too long and do not throw them away in time risk burns on their hands and fingers. „In this case, immediately cool the wound under running cold water, if possible for 20 minutes or longer“, advises the DAK doctor. „If the burn injury is greater or blisters the skin, you should go to the doctor. Bleeding wounds need to be connected.“

Often it gets in the eye
Eye injuries are also common on New Year's Eve. If the eye has been hit, it is best to immediately connect it with a clean cloth and call the ambulance. If possible, do not remove foreign matter alone. If you want to play it safe, you should wear protective goggles outside.

Children especially at risk
„New Year's Eve has a special charm on children“, says Thomas. „However, they are also particularly vulnerable.“ Especially the schoolchildren, who want to celebrate and look forward to the blast and the fireworks, often overestimate themselves. Many smaller ones are also overlooked. „Children should ignite no Boeller at best or alone in the evening New Year's Eve run around outside“, advises the expert. „Also let sparklers burn only in the presence of adults.“ Special care should also be taken on New Year's Day: Many children then like not to collect ignited boulders or rockets. But these can still explode.

Tips for the right handling of bangers and rockets:
- Use bangers and rockets only outdoors. Never fire rockets under canopies or trees.
- In no case detained firecrackers or missiles, never throw in the direction of humans, animals or objects.
- Always keep sufficient distance to firecrackers and rockets. Use earplugs as ear protection and, if necessary, safety goggles for the eyes.
- Do not fire boulders and rockets from windows or balconies.
- Stand with children away from the crowd.
- Before fireworks are ignited, read the instruction manual thoroughly.
- Never pick up duds as they can explode.

First aid in an emergency:
- In case of burns, cool affected areas for at least 20 minutes with cold running water. Do not put powder or ointments in the open wounds, do not puncture the blisters!
- Cover and connect an injured eye with a clean cloth. If possible, do not remove foreign matter alone.
- Do not pull out larger splinters or other foreign bodies in the body and call the ambulance. Otherwise it can lead to uncontrolled bleeding.
- If the ear is injured and even blood runs out, go to the doctor immediately! (Dak, pm)

Picture: Rike