Keep Your Hands Safe This 4th of July

It’s almost the 4th of July, with means barbeques and picnics with family and friends. It also signals the start of hand surgeon’s busy season, due to seasonal firework celebrations.

While fireworks may be a tradition you’ve enjoyed for years, it only takes a second for a mishandled firework to cause a life-changing injury. Each year, it is estimated that over 10,000 fireworks-related injuries occur in the United States during the weeks before and after the 4th of July weekend.

Over 40% of all firework-related injuries involve the arm, hand, or fingers. Unsafe handling and use of fireworks can have severe consequences:

• Burns, which may result in extensive scarring

• Loss of fingers

• Amputation of the hand

• Surgery and/or hospitalization

Injuries caused by fireworks can be particularly difficult to treat. Many of these injuries involve both burn and blast damage, which damage tissues from the skin through the bone. Often, damage to your hand is done at a microscopic level, leading to very tricky surgeries. Additionally, bacteria from cardboard and explosive fibers can also get into cuts or burns, making the injury far more serious and complex to treat.

Even the most innocent-looking of fireworks displays can cause substantial harm. Sparklers, which many parents consider safe, burn at around 2,000°F (hotter than a blowtorch!) and can quickly cause serious injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries.

We understand that fireworks are a fun part of many family traditions, but with them come serious risks and a long history of avoidable, irreversible injuries – especially to kids. If you choose to use fireworks this year, here are a few safety tips:

• Never allow children to handle, play with, or shoot off fireworks

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear eye protection

• Do not hold lighted fireworks in your hands

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person

• You should never stand over a firework while it is ignited

• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks

• Soak any used, malfunctioning, or unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding