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Doctors give advice on preventing burns ahead of 4th of July weekend

TULSA, Okla. — Local doctors are preparing for what’s expected to be a busy weekend for firework related injuries.

Dr. Tara Wilson with the Alexander Burn Center at Hillcrest Hospital says last year, her clinic had a 35 percent uptick in burns from the previous year. She’s already treated at least one patient this week who was burned by a smoke bomb--Her clinic anticipates more injuries this year, as more people will likely be shooting fireworks from home because many professional shows are cancelled.

The main injuries are to the hands and eyes, both vital parts of the body that take time to heal.

Dr. Wilson says she’s treated multiple patients who were shooting off a firework that malfunctioned and lit the pile of fireworks nearby, causing a big explosion.

To treat a burn injury, doctors say you need to get the burn source away from the body. Then, run the affected area under lukewarm water, and dress it in a clean dressing. Head to the doctor or ER if its extremely painful or starts to blister.

The Alexander Burn Center is the only burn center in the Eastern part of the state, and also serves parts of Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. They are adding staff and extending hours through the holiday weekend.

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