Fireworks Injure Almost 10,000 Last Year

Fireworks Injure Almost 10,000 Last Year

The Medical Center of Central Georgia Offers Independence Day Safety Tips

MACON, GA (Monday, July 1, 2013) – Last year, an estimated 9,600 people were treated in emergency rooms nationwide for injuries involving fireworks. The majority of these injuries – 65 percent – occurred in the few weeks before and after Independence Day. Children younger than age 15 accounted for approximately 26 percent of those injured.

Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. A physician from The Medical Center of Central Georgia is available to discuss ways that parents can protect their children from firework injuries this July, including:

• Handling and using fireworks in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and all warning labels.
• Lighting fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces, and aim them away from buildings, dry leaves, flammable materials and spectators.
• Not trying to relight fireworks that malfunction.
• Not modifying fireworks or using homemade fireworks.
• Keeping a phone and a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher handy, and know first aid for burns.

As with any activity involving hazardous equipment, adults should actively supervise all children when they are near fireworks.

To schedule an interview, please contact The Medical Center of Central Georgia.