Each year around this time, hospitals across the country see a spike in injuries, particularly burns, lacerations, and even chronic wound complications. In the spirit of the holiday, I’m taking a short pause from clinical duties to provide useful insights on how to prevent wounds, manage minor injuries, and identify situations that need immediate care. If we can avoid even a few injuries from happening or worsening, then that’s our win.
As an advanced wound care surgeon, I’ve always felt my job goes beyond simply treating wounds. I specialize in complex and chronic wounds, including diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, post-surgical complications, burns, and traumatic injuries that fail to heal on their own. My passion lies in helping people regain their lives, often after months or years of suffering. I’ve seen numerous times how quickly a small cut can escalate into a life-altering condition, especially when people delay care or underestimate the severity of an injury. As part of my commitment to wound care advocacy, here are a few reminders to keep in mind for the upcoming 4th of July celebrations.
4TH OF JULY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Fireworks and Burns: A Common Combination
We all love the spectacle of fireworks, but please remember that they are explosives. Even seemingly harmless sparklers can burn at temperatures over 1,200°F, which is more than hot enough to melt metal and cause third-degree burns.
Tips for Firework Safety:
- Never allow children to handle fireworks on their own or unsupervised.
- Wear protective gloves and long sleeves if lighting fireworks yourself.
- Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
- Never try to relight a “dud.”
- Dispose of used fireworks safely and soak them in water first.
If a burn does occur:
- Cool it down immediately with clean, running water for at least 10–15 minutes.
- Do not apply ice, butter, or ointments to fresh burns.
- Cover it loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing; if none available, apply Vaseline and then cover with gauze.
- Seek medical attention if the burn is larger than 3 inches, involves the face/hands/feet, or if there are signs of infection, including redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
Outdoor Activities: Cuts, Scrapes, and Infection Risks
From BBQ mishaps to backyard fun injuries, open skin is a prime entry point for infection, especially in the summer heat and humidity. For those with diabetes or compromised circulation, namely, a peripheral artery disease or chronic venous insufficiency, even a small wound can lead to serious complications.
Wound First Aid Basics:
- Clean the wound gently with soap and water.
- Stop bleeding with firm, direct pressure.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile dressing. Please note that antibiotic ointments are intended for short-term use only and are not suitable for long-term treatment of complicated or chronic wounds.
- Change the bandage daily to every other day if it gets wet or dirty.
- Watch for signs of infection, including redness, increased swelling, warmth, worsening pain, pus or cloudy/creamy drainage, foul odor, fevers or chills, and red streaks from the wound, particularly if you have underlying health conditions.
- For my diabetic patients, this is a firm reminder to please check your feet before and after outdoor activities. Walking barefoot, even just on the porch or grass, can lead to unnoticed injuries that may escalate quickly.
Chronic Wound Patients: Don’t Delay Care
If you’re living with a chronic wound, today is not the day to skip your usual wound care. Whether you’re managing a venous ulcer, pressure sore, or post-surgical incision, consistency is key.
- Stick to your dressing change schedule or adjust it as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Keep wounds dry and protected, especially if you’re sweating or swimming, given that you have clearance for submerging the wound or wound protected by a waterproof dressing in water.
- Avoid staying in one position for too long—whether sitting, standing, or lying down—by regularly repositioning yourself to promote circulation and prevent pressure-related issues.
- And please, if something doesn’t look right, i.e., redness, odor, and increased drainage, don’t wait until it worsens to call your doctor or wound clinic.
Celebrating Safely
Let’s remember that the heart of this holiday is the celebration of freedom, of community, and of resilience. Nothing should interfere with that, least of all an avoidable wound. By taking a few basic precautions, we can all enjoy the day more fully and avoid spending it in the emergency room or urgent care.
As always, I’m here for you. My team and I are proud to serve this community year-round, but especially now, when a bit of awareness can go a long way.
Have a joyful, healthy, and safe Independence Day!
Author
Jenna Wishnew
Dr. Jenna Wishnew is a board-certified general surgeon with over a decade of experience serving the North Dallas community. Known for her compassionate, patient-centered care, she specializes in wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), currently serving as Medical Director at the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center at Methodist Richardson Medical Center.
Dr. Wishnew is a recognized leader in her field, earning two international awards for excellence in wound care. She also has extensive experience managing gastroparesis and Enterra Gastric Stimulators.
