Wellen Park Emergency doctor urges fireworks safety ahead of Fourth of July

As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, emergency room doctors are reminding families to take precautions when using fireworks, especially around children and teens.

“As we approach Independence Day, it’s important to remember that fireworks, while festive, can be dangerous if not used properly,” said Dr. Andrew Rudin, an emergency physician at HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency. “Children and teens are especially at risk, with the highest rates of fireworks-related injuries. We strongly urge parents to keep fireworks out of the hands of kids — even sparklers, which can reach temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and cause severe burns.”

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2023. Eight deaths were reported. Burns accounted for more than 40% of those injuries. The most common injuries involved firecrackers and sparklers, with hands, fingers, head, face and neck being the most frequently affected areas.

“Fireworks can be a fun and festive part of the Fourth of July, but safety must come first,” said Dr. Rudin. “Always supervise children around fireworks, store them securely, and never assume any firework is safe just because it looks harmless.”

The CPSC found that about 20% of fireworks tested failed to meet safety standards, citing issues such as faulty fuses, banned chemicals and excessive explosive materials. Consumers are encouraged to purchase only legal fireworks from licensed and reputable sellers.

Doctors say two-thirds of fireworks injuries occur in the weeks before and after the July 4 holiday.

Fireworks safety tips:

• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Never point or throw fireworks, including sparklers, at anyone.
• After fireworks finish burning, soak the spent device with water before discarding.

“Let’s make this holiday memorable for the right reasons — celebration, not injury,” Dr. Rudin said.

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HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency is an extension of HCA Florida Englewood Hospital’s emergency services with on-site, board—certified emergency physicians, nurses and paramedics trained to handle any medical crisis and work together to ensure the quality of your care. To learn more or find emergency care nearest you.