As Purim draws near, the staff of Magen David Adom has
already had to treat a number of children suffering injuries
as a result of playing with explosives and combustible
materials. Magen David Adom (MDA) appeals to parents and
teachers yearly to warn children and students about the
dangers of various Purim gadgets and of the use of
combustible materials for costumes and accessories.
Due to the many incidents in which costumes have caught fire
from the sparks of fireworks and caps, MDA once again asks
that caution be taken and that children wear only costumes
certified as flameproof. Costumes made of combustible
materials such as cotton, wool, paper, nylon or viscose cloth
as well as plastic should not be used.
In the event that a child's costume includes flammable
materials, one must ensure that the costume can be easily and
quickly removed in case of emergency. Children must be warned
strongly and in advance to keep away from sources of fire and
high temperatures.
If a costume catches fire the following measures should be
taken: 1) The injured person should be laid down and then
rolled in the sand or on the ground. 2) The fire should be
extinguished with large amounts of water or a wet blanket. 3)
The head of the injured person should not be covered, in
order to prevent suffocation. 4) Charred clothing should not
be removed, and fatty creams should not be spread on the
burns. Instead, the burns should be cooled with copious
amounts of water.
One must absolutely not sprinkle "snow" sprays on exposed
skin, especially not on the eyes or face. Scores of children
have been hurt and required medical treatment in recent years
because of such sprays. In the event that chemical substances
penetrate the eyes, they should be rinsed with copious
amounts of water. These sprays are also extremely
flammable.
Fireworks should be held far away from one's face, especially
the eyes. In the event that a spark of fire penetrates an
eye, it should be quickly doused with water, and the victim
should seek immediate medical attention.
