Fourth Of July—

Physicians Urge Caution

During Summer Fireworks Season

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 Fourth 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 Fourth 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,” Dr Blum said in a statement.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported eight people died and approximately 9,600 were injured in 2004 due to incidents involving fireworks. More than two-thirds of those fireworks injuries occurred during a one-month period 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 Fourth 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.

ACEP urges that people using fireworks: 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, and dispose of all fireworks properly

ACEP also urges certain prohibitions. Do not give any fireworks, including sparklers, to small children. Do not light fireworks indoors or near other objects. Do not wear loose clothing while using any fireworks. Do not set off fireworks in glass or metal containers because the exploding fragments can cause severe injury. Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.

Also, any older children using fireworks should be supervised by an adult.

ACEP is a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine with more than 23,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education.

According to the Newtown Fire Marshal’s Office, the only types of fireworks that can be legally purchased and used by Connecticut residents are “sparklers” and “fountains.”

Sparklers and fountains are defined by state law as “As any sparkling device of not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item.” These fireworks can only give a shower of sparks. They cannot explode and must be nonaerial. Only persons 16 years of age or older can purchase and use sparklers and fountains.