Fireworks Injuries Lead to More than 8,000 ED Visits

Sparklers account for the largest number of estimated injuries for children under five years old

Falls Church, VA – (June 28, 2012) – While most of us enjoy a safe 4th of July with our family and friends -fireworks were involved in an estimated 8,600 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2010 (the most recent year statistics are available) and sparklers resulted in the largest number of injuries in children under five years old according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Fireworks Annual Report issued in 2011.

Dr. Robert Cates, medical director of the Inova Fairfax Hospital Emergency Department, says all types of fireworks, even sparklers can cause burns, eye-related, and other injuries.   “Many people think that sparklers are harmless and they are often not as careful when using sparklers vs. other types of fireworks.” He adds, “While most patients with firework injuries can be treated and released, some can be serious and require an overnight stay or a transfer to a hospital with a burn unit.”

So what can you do to minimize the risk of injury from fireworks and sparklers? Leave the fireworks display to the professionals and enjoy a public fireworks display.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety list of firework safety tips includes, but is not limited to:

• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
• Sparklers remain hot after the flame has gone out. Drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers
• Closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.