By: Hawa Sackor, EMSC Intern
As we reach the time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country’s independence, it’s important to remember how to safely do so. Fireworks on the 4th of July are a national tradition, however families celebrating with children navigate this tradition a little differently. Here’s an overview and guideline on how to spark smart.
Each year thousands of children and families are sent to the emergency room due to injuries caused by improper firework usage.
Common Firework Related Injuries in Children
- Burns
- Eye trauma
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Respiratory distress
- Clothing burns
- Cuts and punctures from spark fragments
Firework Safety Tips
- Attend a public display
- Watch fireworks from a distance of at least 500 feet
- Give children glowsticks as an alternative to sparklers
- Do not re-light a malfunctioning firework
- If lighting fireworks at home light one at a time
- Soak fireworks in a bucket of water for hours after to safely discard
What to Do if a Burn Occurs?
- Remove child from heat source
- Soak and run cool water over burn
- Remove any jewelry and loose clothing from child
- Cover the burn with a clean cloth or non-stick gauze
- Seek medical attention (especially if burn is large, deep, or on face, hands, feet, groins, and joints)
Supervise: Make sure an adult always supervises
Separate: Make sure a safe distance is kept, and children are in a safe proximity from fireworks
Stay Prepared: Make sure cool water is available in case of an accident
Always Call 9-1-1: If burns are a result of chemicals, electricity, or explosions
Resources
EducationMaterialsFrame. (2024, July 3). Children’s Minnesota. https://www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials/parents/article/8581/fireworks-safety/
Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2018, July 2). Fireworks. CPSC.gov. https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
Fireworks Safety. (2024, June 3). Hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/fireworks-safety