Spark Memories, Not Fireworks, this Fourth of July

7/1/2024

Northeast Regional Medical Center encourages the community to prioritize safety during holiday celebrations

Kirksville, MO – As Independence Day approaches, Northeast Regional Medical Center emphasizes the importance of fireworks safety to prevent injuries and avoid a trip to the emergency department. While fireworks have been an integral part of Fourth of July festivities since 1777, it has not been without risk and should be handled only by experienced pyrotechnicians.

“Leave the fireworks to the professionals,” said Dr. Erin Grgurich, emergency medicine physician. “By attending community-sponsored displays, you can enjoy the celebrations from a distance, without putting yourself or your loved ones in harm’s way.”

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related incidents have led to a significant number of injuries and fatalities. In fact, in 2022, there were 11 reported deaths and over 10,000 injuries treated in emergency departments due to misuse, malfunction or tip-overs.

While the majority of incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade or homemade fireworks or explosives, less powerful fireworks like firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant damage. The National Council on Fireworks Safety research shows more than half of sparkler-related injuries happen to children under the age of 14. While seemingly a harmless way to celebrate, sparklers can reach temperatures exceeding 2,000°F—hot enough to melt some metals.

“If sparklers can melt metals, imagine the severity of the third-degree burns they can cause to hands,” said Dr. Grgurich. “Even with adult supervision, there is no safe way for a child to handle a sparkler.”

The most common injuries seen in emergency departments are burns—accounting for 38 percent of all fireworks-related injuries—but it is important to remember that fireworks injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to amputation or blindness. The areas most susceptible to injury are hands and fingers, legs, head, face, ears and eyes.

Dr. Grgurich encourages residents to attend local fireworks displays such as the Kirksville Annual Red, White, and Blue Festival on July 6, versus lighting off fireworks at home.

Sources:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
National Council on Fireworks Safety
National Institute for Health

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