Spark Memories, Not Fireworks, this Fourth of July

6/27/2024

Merit Health Natchez encourages the Miss-Lou Region to prioritize safety during holiday celebrations

NATCHEZ, Miss. –June 27, 2024 -- As Independence Day approaches, Merit Health Natchez emphasizes the importance of fireworks safety to prevent injuries and avoid a trip to the emergency department. While fireworks have been an integral part of Fourth of July festivities since 1777, it has not been without risk and should be handled only by experienced pyrotechnicians.

“Leave the fireworks to the professionals,” said Dr. Ben Yarbrough, medical director of the emergency department at Merit Health Natchez. “By attending community-sponsored displays, you can enjoy the celebrations from a distance, without putting yourself or your loved ones in harm’s way.”

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related incidents have led to a significant number of injuries and fatalities. In fact, in 2022, there were 11 reported deaths and over 10,000 injuries treated in emergency departments due to misuse, malfunction or tip-overs.

While the majority of incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade or homemade fireworks or explosives, less powerful fireworks like firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant damage. The National Council on Fireworks Safety research shows more than half of sparkler-related injuries happen to children under the age of 14. While seemingly a harmless way to celebrate, sparklers can reach temperatures exceeding 2,000°F—hot enough to melt some metals.

“If sparklers can melt metals, imagine the severity of the third-degree burns they can cause to hands,” said Dr. Yarbrough. “Even with adult supervision, there is no safe way for a child to handle a sparkler.”

The most common injuries seen in emergency departments are burns—accounting for 38 percent of all fireworks-related injuries—but it is important to remember that fireworks injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to amputation or blindness. The areas most susceptible to injury are hands and fingers, legs, head, face, ears and eyes.

If you or a loved one does get injured, head to the nearest ER if a burn is larger than the size of a palm or if there are any key indicators of infection such as redness, swelling or drainage.

Dr. Yarbrough encourages Miss-Lou residents to attend the Fireworks Extravaganza to be held on the Mississippi River on July 4 at 9:30 p.m. versus lighting off fireworks at home.

Merit Health Natchez offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox from a trusted medical source. You can sign up at https://www.merithealthnatchez.com/enewsletter-sign-up.

Sources:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
National Council on Fireworks Safety
National Institute for Health

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