Anyone who walks or falls on hot coals can be severely burned,
and a child can sustain life-threatening burns. Hot coals should
always be disposed of in designated containers at the beach or
bay. Do not bury coals with sand. Hot coals covered by sand can
retain an intense heat for up to 24 hours. If a child is burned
by hot coals, immediately cool the area, but do not use ice.
Never apply ice to a burn. "[Use] cold water to cool the burn
and, at the same time, wash away the sand and debris. If there
is time, apply and antibiotic ointment, but get right to the
emergency room," said UCSD Regional Burn Center nurse
practitioner Jason McSweeney. Fireworks are illegal in San Diego
County and extremely dangerous, especially those purchased in
Mexico. Each year the UCSD Regional Burn Center treats patients
who have suffered fireworks-related injuries, including those
from small fireworks called "poppers" that easily fit in a
pocket, where they can explode, set clothing on fire and cause
serious burn injuries. Lamp O