More than half of all fireworks injuries are
to the hand and upper extremity
BALTIMORE, July 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- As Independence Day approaches, MedStar Health
urges everyone to prioritize safety when celebrating with
fireworks. While fireworks are a popular part of the holiday's
festivities, they also bring significant risks. On average, 230
people visit emergency rooms daily in the weeks before, during and
after July 4th, because of
fireworks-related injuries. More than half of these injuries affect
the hands and fingers.
"Fireworks can turn a celebration into a
nightmare in the blink of an eye," said hand surgeon, Raymond Wittstadt, MD.
The most common of these holiday-related injuries are caused by
firecrackers, bottle rockets, sparklers, and other pyrotechnics.
Even seemingly harmless sparklers, which are often handed over to
children, can burn at temperatures of about 1500 degrees—hot enough
to melt metal.
"Fireworks can turn a celebration into a nightmare in the blink
of an eye," said Curtis National Hand Center hand surgeon,
Raymond Wittstadt, MD.
"Unfortunately, the hand often bears the brunt of the damage.
ranging from burns to the traumatic injuries and amputations. We
can reattach fingers but only if the finger is intact and there's
somewhere to replant it. My advice? Your hands are irreplaceable.
Leave fireworks shows to the experts."
Every year, surgeons at the Curtis National Hand Center begin
treating severe hand and finger injuries even before the Fourth of
July festivities kick off. Whether the fireworks are legal or not,
they can cause traumatic injuries, leading to permanent damage to
nerves and tendons, or even amputations. Such injuries often
necessitate multiple complex and innovative surgeries to close open
wounds, reattach digits or hands, and restore limb
functionality.
The good news is firework injuries are preventable when taking
the proper safety precautions. The Curtis National Hand Center at
MedStar Health would like to remind everyone of the following
safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday:
General Fireworks Safety Tips: (from the American Society for
Surgery of the Hand)
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite
fireworks. Older children should only use fireworks under close
adult supervision.
- Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper. These
are often made for professional displays and may pose additional
dangers.
- Ensure fireworks are legal in your area before
purchasing or using them.
- 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.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not
fully ignited.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of
fire.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in
metal or glass containers.
- Douse spent fireworks with plenty of water from a
bucket or hose before discarding them to prevent trash fires.
Safety Tips for Attending Public Fireworks Displays:
- Obey safety barriers and listen to ushers.
- Stay a minimum of 500 feet from the launching site.
- Resist the temptation to pick up firework
debris after the display. Debris may still be hot and
could potentially explode.
For an interview or appointment with a hand surgeon from the
Curtis National Hand Center, or for more information on fireworks
safety and injury prevention, call 410-274-1260.
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SOURCE MedStar Health