Washington, DC - What would the 4th of July be without fireworks? A little less busy in hospital emergency rooms. Each year nearly 10,000 fireworks-related injuries are seen in the nation's emergency rooms, with nearly half of the injured being children. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is urging everyone to be extremely careful with fireworks this 4th of July, and reminding patriotic celebrants that there is no such thing as completely "safe" fireworks.
"I think the safest and best way to enjoy the 4th is to watch a professional display," said Dr. Rick Blum, president of ACEP. "For those folks who can buy legal fireworks in their community, I recommend extreme caution, especially if children are present." "I've seen cases where a few minutes of well-intentioned fun has resulted in lifelong disabilities."
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported eight people died and 9,600 were injured in 2004 due to incidents involving fireworks. More than two-thirds of those fireworks injuries occurred between June 19 and July 19. Most of the injuries involved burns, with hands and eyes being the most common parts of the body injured.
"Parents have to realize that fireworks aren't just available to children on the 4th of July," said Dr. Blum. "Fireworks stands are open a large part of the summer in many communities, and emergency physicians see fireworks injuries for many weeks."
If fireworks are legal in your community, ACEP strongly suggests you do not use fireworks at your home. If you do use fireworks, however, these do's and don'ts will help make it a safer experience.
DO:
Buy fireworks from reputable dealers
Read warning labels and follow all instructions
Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand
Light fireworks one at a time
Dispose of all fireworks properly
DON'T:
Give any fireworks, including sparklers, to small children; older children should be supervised by an adult
Light fireworks indoors or near other objects
Wear loose clothing while using any fireworks
Set off fireworks in glass or metal containers- the fragments can cause severe injury
Try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks