Every year, fireworks cause thousands of orthopedic injuries across the United States, with hands, fingers, and eyes among the most commonly injured body parts. Even legal consumer fireworks can cause devastating injuries including burns, amputations, tendon injuries, nerve damage, and permanent loss of function.
Firework Safety Tips
- Leave fireworks to trained professionals whenever possible.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Always wear protective eyewear.
- Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
- Never relight a “dud” firework.
- Stay a safe distance away after lighting.
- Avoid alcohol or impaired judgment when using fireworks.
- Keep spectators well away from the launch area.
Sparklers Are Not Harmless
Many parents are surprised to learn that sparklers can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,000°F—hot enough to cause severe burns, especially in children.
If an Injury Occurs
- Seek immediate medical attention for burns, lacerations, eye injuries, or suspected fractures.
- Do not remove embedded debris.
- Cover wounds with a clean dressing.
- For amputations, wrap the part in moist gauze, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and keep the bag on ice while seeking emergency care.
OA Access Now
Not every injury requires an emergency room visit, but it’s important to know when it does. If you’re unsure, OA Access Now offers free, 24/7 virtual orthopedic triage, connecting you with an orthopedic expert in about three minutes to help determine the right next step for your injury.
Remember
A few seconds of celebration can result in a lifetime of disability. The safest fireworks show is one conducted by professionals.
Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.