Hand Surgeon Warns of Dangers of Mishandling Fireworks

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, fireworks. While fireworks can add excitement to the festivities, they also pose significant risks, especially to your hands. Daniel Gittings, MD, Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI) hand and wrist orthopedic surgeon, has seen the devastating impact firework-related injuries can have.

“Mishandling of fireworks can lead to serious injury and permanent disability” said Dr. Gittings. “All fireworks carry the potential risk of severe burns, high energy blast injuries, and even result in amputation.” His advice is to forgo the backyard fireworks and instead attend a local, professional fireworks show.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 280 people a day go the emergency room with firework-related injuries around the July 4th holiday. The Commission also reported approximately 38% of all firework-related injuries were burns, with hands and fingers being the most injured, followed by injuries to the legs, eyes, head, face, and ears.

Dr. Gittings added that if you experience a firework injury, head to the nearest emergency room as soon as you can. In the meantime, he said, wrap the injury in a slightly damp clean cloth to keep it moist. “Do not apply ice to an injury, particularly a burn,” he stressed. “Ice may lead to more damage to the traumatized tissue.”

If fireworks are on your family agenda for this July 4^th and you are unable to attend a professional display, here are some tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Dr. Gittings to help you avoid a trip to the emergency room:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents do not realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

“Most injuries are preventable,” says Dr. Gittings. “With a few simple precautions, you can stay safe this July 4.”