6-30-09

Fireworks Injuries

Thousands of people go to hospital emergency rooms with injuries from fireworks each year.  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. Elvin Zook, professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains the most common injuries from fireworks.

SOUND BITE: “One of the most common ones is burn, either stepping on something that is hot, having a sparkler or something against the skin or getting clothes on fire and having serious burns.  The other thing is explosion.  The gunpowder will pigment the skin like tattooing,  particularly in the face.   If one goes off the black burn from the gunpowder can be imbedded into the skin and face and give you significant black tattooing.”

Dr. Zook says all fireworks are meant to be displayed at a distance – most injuries occur when people get too close.  He recommends some safety precautions when using fireworks.

SOUND BITE: “You shouldn’t hold one in your hand and light it with the other hand because, once in a while they will go off and that is when people lose fingers.  They go off before they can throw it.  You’re better off putting them on the ground and then lighting them.  You should have water available so if someone gets a fire you can put it out.  You should read the instructions before you use them.”

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.