Posted: 6/29/2016
Key to a healthy, happy July 4th is leave it to the pros
Every Fourth of July skies across the country are filled with the brilliant glow of fireworks. And while these scenes are as familiar as apple pie, so too are injuries that often occur as a result of misfired bottle rockets or the improper use of sparklers.
Fire and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children ages 14 and under, according to the American Burn Association (ABA). Approximately 10,000 people suffer fireworks injuries every year, including more than 4,000 children.
“Burns from fireworks usually involve the hands, face, arms and chest areas,” said Stephanie Campbell, RN, BSN, CCRN, Burn Program Manager at Parkland Health & Hospital System’s Regional Burn Center. “Fireworks can be dangerous and it’s important everyone remember that they can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries.”
On average 230 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In 2014, nine people died due to eight fireworks-related incidents, and in at least two of those cases, the victims were not the users.
In the past two years, 10 patients received fireworks-related injuries serious enough to require hospitalization in Parkland’s Burn Center. Those patients with minor burns are treated in Parkland’s outpatient burn center. Even though it may seem harmless, Campbell said the best guideline is to leave all fireworks activity to the professionals.
In 31 percent of the injuries noted nationwide, the types of fireworks used were unspecified, according to the CPSC. Twenty percent of those hurt were from firecrackers, followed closely by sparklers and bottle rockets. And, 34 percent of those injured were age 25 to 44.
Follow these safety tips when using fireworks
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
- Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them
“If you, a family member or friend are injured call 911 immediately,” Campbell said. “Don’t use ice to cool fireworks burns or place them in a tub or pool of cold water. Immersing the whole body causes core body temperatures to drop dangerously.”
Campbell also cautioned against applying ointments, butter or steroidal salves to burns because they seal in the heat.
The ABA recommends seeking medical attention for any second degree burn larger than 2-3 inches or a third degree burn of any size.
“It’s always a good idea to see a healthcare provider since even minor burns have the potential to become infected,” Campbell said.