6-27-06

Fireworks Injuries

Thousands of people go to hospital emergency rooms with injuries from fireworks each year, and most of these injuries occur around the Fourth of July.

Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially this time of year. But fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious injuries if proper precautions are not taken. Dr. Bradon Wilhelmi, associate professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains some of the possible injuries.

SOUND BITE: "The most common areas that involved with burns in people playing with fireworks are usually burns to the hands and burns to the face. When they are setting off the fireworks, the fireworks can be very close to their face so if it were to explode, those are the areas mostly commonly involved."

Dr. Wilhelmi says all fireworks are meant to be displayed at a distance – most injuries occur when people get too close. He says children should never be allowed to handle fireworks. He recommends some safety precautions for adults who handle fireworks.

SOUND BITE: "To keep a bucket of water handy and to never experiment and attempt to make your own fireworks. To light one firework at a time and never reignite a firework that went out or was a dud. Certainly people should not throw fireworks at another person or shoot fireworks in a metal or glass container."

By being cautious and following safety rules when using and watching fireworks, you can have a safe and happy Fourth of July. If anyone is injured by fireworks, they should go to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.