Listening to the “oohs” and “ahs” of the crowd as the fireworks pop and the colors light up the night sky is an American tradition this time of year. Many people also enjoy setting off their own fireworks or lighting up a sparkler or two at home over the holiday. However, thousands of people go to hospital emergency rooms with injuries from fireworks each year and most of those injuries fall around the Fourth of July.

Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious injuries if proper precautions are not taken. “Injuries from fireworks encompass everything from hand and foot-type injuries to face and eye-type injuries,” says Dr. Jason Kegg, emergency medicine physician at SIU School of Medicine.  “Some are actually pretty disabling. These certainly aren’t minor injuries; they can mean the loss of fingers or toes or even the loss of a hand, depending on what type of firework is being used.” Dr. Kegg says all fireworks are meant to be displayed at a distance – most injuries occur when people get too close.
He recommends some safety precautions:

• Leave the fireworks shows to the professionals
• If you must set off your own fireworks, make sure that a sober, responsible adult is in charge
• Have water close by to extinguish possible fires

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

-rb