Doctors urge caution with fireworks

As our nation celebrates Independence Day, emergency room doctors say fireworks can be a fun part of your 4^th of July festivities with appropriate safety precautions. This is especially important for teens, who have the highest rate of ER-treated fireworks injuries, and young children 5-9, with the second highest rate of ER visits related to fireworks.

“Fireworks are a fun tradition for many of us this time of year, but they need to be handled with caution,” said Dr. Amber Teague, pediatric ER physician at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. “Children and teenagers have the highest rates of ER visits for fireworks injuries, so we ask parents not to let children play with or light fireworks, even sparklers, which at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit can cause very serious burns.”

According to the most recent data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related injuries sent nearly 10,000 people nationwide to the ER and caused eight deaths in 2023. Burns accounted for more than 40% of the injuries. The study showed an estimated 800 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 700 with sparklers. Injuries to the hands and fingers accounted for more than a third of ER visits, and injuries to the head, face and neck accounted for about 22%.

The data also shows two-thirds of fireworks injuries occur in the weeks before and after the July 4^th holiday.

“If you purchase fireworks in advance of the holiday, or have leftover devices, it’s important to store them safely, out of the reach of children, and provide adult supervision during your celebration,” Dr. Teague said. 

Another consideration – 1 out of 5 fireworks tested by the CPSC contained noncompliant components, including fuse violations, the presence of prohibited chemicals and pyrotechnic materials overload. If you are planning to light fireworks, only buy legal fireworks intended for consumer use from a reputable retailer.

For safe celebrations, follow these guidelines:

• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy.
• 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 complete their burning, soak the spent device with water before discarding.

To find your nearest HCA Florida Healthcare emergency room, visit HCA Florida Healthcare.