When my good friend began screaming that he could not see I knew something was seriously wrong. A bottlerocket had just exploded right in front of his face. He had superficial and partial thickness burns around his left eye. Fortunately, he had a normal return of vision.
According to a 2005 CDC study more than 10,000 people are treated each year in U.S. emergency departments for fireworks related injuries. As you certainly know the busiest time of year for fireworks is mid-June through July 4. The CDC and other injury prevention partners launch public service campaigns to reduce fireworks related injuries.
Share these Everyday EMS Tips with your community to reduce fireworks related injuries:
- Follow all local ordinances regarding sales, purchasing, and use of fireworks.
- Only sober adults should be handling and lighting fireworks.
- Follow fireworks guidelines for establishing a hot zone where only the adult lighting the fireworks is allowed.
- Wear hearing, eye, and hand protection when lighting fireworks to lessen risk of injury from noise, flames, or shrapnel.
- Never launch a fireworks towards any person or animal.
- Position observers a safe distance from any launching, burning, or falling fireworks.
- Do not handle any fireworks that are burning, smoldering, or smoking.
- Do not light fireworks in or near buildings, debris, or other structures that could easily catch fire.
