Fireworks Safety Tips from AMR paramedics

Jun 28 2010

The Independence Day holiday is filled with the bangs, whistles and pops of backyard fireworks. Too often, revelers forget that fireworks are dangerous explosives, not toys. Fireworks send thousands of people to the hospital each year and cause millions of dollars in fire losses. Here's some fireworks safety advice from paramedics at American Medical Response (AMR) to help protect you and your family from injury and property damage.

Injuries

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 9,000 fireworks-related injuries happen each year. Of these, nearly half are head-related injuries with nearly 30 percent of these injuries to the eyes.

Though many may suffer the loss of sight, others may also experience permanent hearing loss, second- and third-degree burns or even amputation. These are very serious injuries that are extremely painful and emotionally and physically debilitating for many years.

Even seemingly harmless devices such as sparklers can be dangerous. Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and remain hot enough to cause serious burns even after they are extinguished. Fireworks are especially dangerous for children because they entice children to use matches or lighters.

Penalties for Use of Fireworks

Many communities have restrictions and penalties on the sale and use of fireworks. Furthermore, if your use of fireworks causes injury, death or starts a fire, you could be held liable for damages.

Fireworks Can Start Home and Business Fires

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that nationwide, fireworks annually cause more than 30,000 fires, as well as millions of dollars in property damage.

Fireworks Safety Tips: If you do take the risk of using fireworks, AMR offers this advice:

• Matches and lighters are tools, not toys.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never shoot devices over roofs or other structures or near power lines.
• Never attempt to re-light or fix fireworks that have not ignited.
• Always keep a safe distance from fireworks staging areas.
• Protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses or safety goggles if you are a fireworks operator or a bystander. Wearing prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses provide little or no protection against eye injuries that fireworks can cause.
• Collect all burned-out sparkler wires for proper disposal. Sparklers stay hot long after burning out.
• Keep younger children away from all fireworks. Older children must be supervised.
• Never use homemade fireworks.
• Never extend any part of the body over lit fireworks.
• Keep water and a first aid kit nearby for emergencies.
• Always follow local ordinances and directions of all local police and fire personnel.
• In case of eye injuries do not touch, rub or press the injured eye. Call 9-1-1 for paramedics who will safely transport the victim to a hospital emergency department if appropriate.
• In case of burn injuries, cover with a dry dressing and call 9-1-1 for paramedic care.

SOURCE American Medical Response Inc.

(www.amr.net)