What are some common injuries caused by fireworks?
6 Common Fireworks-Related Injuries
- Hand Burns. A burned hand or finger is the most common injury from fireworks.
- Eye Injuries. Eye injuries from fireworks can range from minor burns to complete loss of vision.
- Hand Fractures and Lacerations.
- Facial Injuries.
- Loss of Finger.
- Hearing Loss.
What body part is most injured in fireworks accidents?
hands and fingers
In 2021, the parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (an estimated 31 percent of injuries) along with head, face, and ears (an estimated 21 percent). About 32 percent of the emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries in 2021 were for burns.
How many injuries are caused by fireworks?
Injuries from fireworks in the US An estimated 11,500 Americans were hospitalized with fireworks-related injuries in 2021, according to an annual report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. That’s a 26% drop from 2020 when there were fewer public displays available at the height of the pandemic.
How long does it take for firework burns to heal?
The burned area will appear red with blisters, and skin can swell and be painful. Partial thickness burns typically heal over a period of two to three weeks, often without scarring. However, healing may take longer for more severe partial thickness burns.
How do people lose fingers from fireworks?
Fireworks hand injury comprised 53% of all hand injuries in a recent study of emergency room data. These injuries most often occur while attempting to light the fuse of the explosive device. Typically, the injury is caused by a fuse burning too quickly, not giving the victim enough time to get away.
Can you lose a finger from fireworks?
Dozens of people headed to metro emergency departments when firework explosions went wrong. Doctors, police and paramedics said several people lost fingers.
How do fireworks cause injury?
It can cause a super ignition with extremely hot embers that can cause serious burns. Sparklers should be held at arm’s length, away from the body and clothing. Dispose of used sparklers in a bucket of sand or water.
How do firework injuries happen?
And they’re caused by both fireworks that shoot up into the air as well as ones that stay on the ground. Burns are the most common type of injury when it comes to fireworks. The heat from a single sparkler can reach 2,000 degrees. That’s hotter than a blow torch.
How many people get injured by fireworks every year in the US?
15,600 people
The research states that an estimated 15,600 people required emergency room treatment in U.S. hospitals due to accidents involving fireworks last year, up from approximately 10,000 in 2019.
What degree burns do fireworks cause?
A first-degree burn is painful and causes redness of the skin, a second-degree burn causes blistering of the skin, and third-degree burns go through the skin to other tissues and/or muscle. According to Dr. Ornazian, fireworks are most likely to cause first and second-degree burns—rarely causing third-degree burns.
How much damage can a firecracker do?
Fireworks of any kind are dangerous. Even sparklers, which many parents think are safe, burn at almost 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which can melt metal. When something goes awry with fireworks, they can cause serious burns, eye injuries, hand injuries and even death.
How long does it take for a firework burn to heal?
How much damage can a firework do?
Burns are the most common type of injury when it comes to fireworks. The heat from a single sparkler can reach 2,000 degrees. That’s hotter than a blow torch. “Most burn injuries from fireworks occur in the week surrounding Independence Day,” said surgeon Dr.
How many people a year get killed by fireworks?
The results of a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) analysis show that 18 people died from non-occupational fireworks incidents in the U.S. in 2020 compared to 12 in 2019. Between 2005 and 2020, there were 136 deaths from fireworks misuse in total or 8.5 deaths per year on average.
Do people get hurt from fireworks?
A new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a 50 percent increase in deaths and injuries from fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 2019. At least 18 people died from fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 12 reported for the previous year.
What to do if you get burned by a firework?
Run the affected area under cool, not cold, water for 10 minutes. Once it has cooled, cover the area in moist, sterile, non-fluffy dressing to prevent infection. If the burn is larger than the victim’s palm, seek additional medical attention.
How do fireworks affect human health?
In the short-term, exposure to fireworks-related PM can lead to a worsening of respiratory illnesses, including asthma. PM and gases emitted from fireworks also trigger cardiovascular diseases and reduce lung function.
How can fireworks injuries be prevented?
Avoid common injuries with these tips:
- Never lean over lit fireworks when lighting the fuse.
- If you find unexploded fireworks, leave them be.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby the area where you’re lighting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
How do you treat gunpowder burn?
Cool the burn down with cool water for 20 minutes. You might increase damage to the area if the ice or ice water is used. Avoid placing greasy or creamy substances on the burn. Cover with a dry, nonstick, sterile bandage.