ASHI and MEDIC First Aid Blog

Thousands of Americans are injured while using fireworks each year. And considering many community Fourth of July celebrations are being canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, more people may choose to celebrate using fireworks at home.

Even though fireworks can bring joy, families need to understand the risk involved.

According to a U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) study, an estimated 7,300 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms across the country from June 21 to July 21 last year.

And of those injuries treated in the ER, 58% were burns. Most of which were burns to the hands, fingers and legs.

Stay safe this Fourth of July by following these fireworks safety tips.

Fireworks safety 101

Follow these guidelines from the CPSC when using fireworks:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Minor burn care

If you or someone around you is injured by a firework, provide first aid care to minor burns to help relieve the pain and prevent infection.

1. Rinse the burn with cool water for at least 20 minutes. Or until the pain is relieved.

2. Cover the burn with a dry, sterile dressing.

3. Monitor the wound for signs of infection (e.g. increased swelling, drainage or change in color of the burned area).

Always seek medical care if the wound shows signs of infection or if the injury is more severe.

Contact your local Training Center to get First Aid certified.