July Fourth safety - Brief Article

Combat Edge, July, 2002 by Mark W. MSgt. Nichols

Amputations, third degree burn, loss of sight, loss of hearing ... sound like battlefield injuries, an industrial accident, or maybe a car crash? How about the aftermath of an off-duty get-together of a few friends or family members -- no way, guess again! These are real life, recreational fireworks, injuries seen by our military and civilian physicians during their professional careers. Seemingly innocuous sparklers, firecrackers and bottle rockets exact a toll of pain and suffering on thousands of Americans each year. Unwitting children often make up a large segment of those victimized, and the physical and emotional scars often last a lifetime.

An Air Force doctor interviewed in the preparation of this article stated he had personally witnessed the following injuries:

* Superficial burns to the fingers and hands from simply handling the lighting devices or from faulty fuses

* A blinding injury from an off-course bottle rocket

* A third degree burn on the lower extremity from a Roman candle that ignited a patient's clothing

* A complete amputation of an index finger from a "homemade" super firecracker

Fireworks account for an average of 10,000 reported injuries annually Firecrackers top the list as the cause of these injuries. Firecrackers account for approximately 51 percent of all injuries followed by skyrockets at 12 percent, common sparklers at 7 percent, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

As previously stated, children are especially susceptible to injury when using fireworks. Under no circumstances should children, especially small children, be allowed to use fireworks unsupervised.

Additionally, fireworks are not authorized in all states and municipalities. Local ordinances in many cases severely restrict and, in some cases, prohibit the use of fireworks. It is important to check with your local fire and police departments prior to using any fireworks. Just because you can purchase them, does not mean it is legal to use them!

Does this mean all fireworks use should be avoided? Not at all. Responsible use of legal fireworks under the close supervision of mature individuals can be a lot of fun for all. Do not let your Fourth of July celebration end on a sour note. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and treat all fireworks with respect!

RELATED ARTICLE: Fireworks Safety Tips

* Always read and follow label directions

* Light only one at a time

* Only ignite fireworks outdoors

* Be sure to have water handy

* Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks

* Always, always have an adult present