There is something exciting about fireworks: the anticipation of the rising rocket, then the colors, patterns and exciting explosions. As your child watches the displays in wonder, it can be difficult to deny them a chance to participate. I learned firsthand the importance of safety around fireworks.
As a 12-year-old boy, I loved the rush of lighting fireworks with my brothers and cousins at my grandparents’ home in Mississippi. We were celebrating the Fourth of July, and our families were letting us enjoy the muggy holiday evening. I held a firecracker in each hand while my cousin lit what I thought was one, but turned out to be both. Before I knew it, the firecracker exploded in my hand. Amidst the ringing of my ears and the pain of my hand, I looked down dreading to see what damage I had done to myself.
New Georgia legislation takes effect this week that allows citizens to privately purchase and use explosive, projectile fireworks. Many more children will be able to share in the fun of fireworks, but this increased accessibility also increases the potential for associated injuries.
The dangers of fireworks use are often underestimated. These combustible objects employ extreme temperatures to cause explosions and flying projectiles. Even sparklers, which many believe to be the least dangerous of fireworks options, burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s as hot as a blowtorch or the charcoal fire on your grill this weekend.
In 2012, U.S. emergency departments treated over 8,700 patients with fireworks-related injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. More than 65 percent of those injuries occurred around July Fourth. Hand and finger injuries are most commonly caused by small, novelty fireworks that have short fuses and are lit while held. Fireworks with projectiles, or ones that are commonly thrown, lead to face and eye injuries.
It is especially important to watch children around fireworks, as kids ages 5 to 14 are twice as likely to be injured by them as the general population. Shorter limbs and slower reaction times mean children cannot put the needed distance between explosive objects and their bodies.
Emergency department doctors treat children for fireworks injuries each year, and Georgia physicians are preparing for that number to increase this summer. However, families can enjoy the excitement of fireworks and help all members remain safe by following a few simple steps:
• Make a minimum-age rule. Never allow children under 12 years of age to light and handle fireworks.
• Constantly supervise children when fireworks are present. Even if kids have been warned, curiosity may win over caution and result in dangerous fireworks use.
• Create a safe environment. Avoid wearing loose clothing, and clear flammable outdoor items such as dry grass, leaves and bushes from the space.
• Keep extinguishers close. Always have a bucket of water nearby, and consider a fire extinguisher to be safe. Cover used fireworks with sand, if possible.
• Maintain your distance. After lighting fireworks, back several feet away. Do not attempt to hold lit fireworks, or to re-light one that has failed to explode.
• Consider leaving fireworks to the professionals. Many wonderful large-scale fireworks displays — free and safe — will dot the skies around Georgia on Independence Day. When at public displays, find a place to watch that is away from the path of falling debris.
Thankfully, I was very fortunate to have recovered from my own fireworks injury without major damage and to go on one day to practice medicine. As a physician, I aim to not only treat critically ill children, but also to use my experience to educate families to minimize the chance of an avoidable injury. Here’s to celebrating the birthday of this incredible country with beautiful, lasting and safe memories for your family!
Dr. James Fortenberry is chief pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
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