Fireworks: better seen from a distance
Red, white and BOOM! Some say it wouldn't be the 4 th of July without fireworks - a dangerous tradition that injures nearly 10,000 Americans each year. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, nearly half of those injured by fireworks are children. Fireworks may be beautiful, but they're best seen and heard from a distance.
"Surprisingly, sparklers often considered the safest of fireworks, are one of the most dangerous for children. Many parents naively believe they're harmless. Sparklers are both inexpensive and legal in Michigan," says Jeffrey Ditkoff, M.D., emergency medicine specialist at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. "Parents are more apt to let their child handle sparklers. Most don't realize the dangers. Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees. Their mishandling can result in serious injuries, including burns, clothing fires and puncture wounds."
Dr. Ditkoff encourages patriotic celebrants to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Check the newspapers or go online to determine which communities in your area will host fireworks displays. There is no such thing as completely"safe" fireworks.
ACEP strongly suggests individuals not use fireworks at home. If you do use fireworks, however, these do's and don'ts will help make it a safer experience.
DO:
- Buy legal fireworks from a reputable dealer
- Read warning labels and follow all instructions
- Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand
- Light fireworks one at a time
- Dispose of all fireworks properly
DON'T:
- Give any fireworks, including sparklers, to small children; older children should be supervised by an adult
- Light fireworks indoors or near other objects
- Wear loose clothing while using any fireworks
- Set of fireworks in glass or metal containers- the fragments can cause severe injury
- Try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Beaumont, Royal Oak is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Oakland and Macomb counties, the highest designation for trauma care from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma. The designation means that a variety of medical specialists are available around the clock to treat patients who require immediate medical attention, including emergency surgery.