Fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition, but they come with a cost. Hospital emergency rooms see a dramatic uptick in cases around this holiday. The American College of Emergency Physicians is urging the public to exercise caution and good judgment when celebrating Independence Day with fireworks.
Dr. Michael Gerardi, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, noted that “fblikebutton_button”. Many of those visits, he explained, begin with someone saying .
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC), the 2013 statistics paint a sobering picture. Eight people died and more than 11,000 people were injured in the United States because of fireworks. This represented a significant increase from the year before. Moreover, 65 percent of those injuries occurred in the days surrounding July 4th.
Rockets and sparklers were responsible for nearly half of all estimated injuries last year. When injuries do occur, the hands and fingers bear the brunt—almost half (46 percent) of fireworks injuries target these areas. The eyes, head, face and ears account for one-third (34 percent) of injuries (CPSC).
For those living in areas where fireworks are legal, ACEP strongly suggests that you do not use fireworks at your home. Should you decide to proceed, these guidelines can reduce your risk considerably.
DO — Have knowledgeable supervision by an experienced adult if you choose to use fireworks.
DO — Buy fireworks from reputable dealers
DO — Read warning labels and follow all instructions
DO — Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand
DO — Light fireworks one at a time
DO — Dispose of all fireworks properly
DON’T — Give any fireworks, including sparklers, to small children; older children should be supervised by a responsible adult
DON’T — Light fireworks indoors or near other objects
DON’T — Place your body over a fireworks device when trying to light the fuse and immediately back up to a safe distance after you light it.
DON’T — Point or throw fireworks at another person, ever
DON’T — Try to re-light or pick up fireworks have not ignited fully
DON’T — Wear loose clothing while using any fireworks
DON’T — Set off fireworks in glass or metal containers — the fragments can cause severe injury.
DON’T — Carry fireworks in a pocket.
DON’T — Try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks
The safest option remains attending a professional fireworks display managed by experts who have proper training and experience handling these explosives, according to Dr. Gerardi.
ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.