While we all love a brilliant fireworks display, especially on the Fourth of July, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 21,692 people were treated for injuries related to fireworks in 2011. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers fireworks safety tips to help prevent injuries during this year’s festivities.

"Many people view these mini explosives as harmless, when in fact they can be very dangerous to people of all ages," says orthopaedic surgeon and AAOS spokesperson William Obremskey, MD. "Take it from one who picked up a ‘dud’ as a kid and suffered minor burns. You can also lose a finger, damage your eyes or worse. To avoid injury, people should not use fireworks at home, but instead find a park or outdoor location that showcases fireworks."

The Academy offers the following safety guidelines for adults who do choose to use fireworks. While these tips may seem a simple matter of common sense, they are consistently ignored by many each year:

• Check with your local police department to determine if fireworks can be discharged legally in your area. If so, determine which types are legal.
• Never buy or use illegal fireworks. Their quality cannot be assured.
• Only adults should light fireworks.
• Never hold lighted fireworks with your hand or place them near the body.
• Always have water handy in case of a fire. For example, a hose hooked to a faucet or a bucket of water.
• Read the caution label on packaging before igniting.
• Wear safety eyewear when using fireworks.
• Soak used fireworks in water before discarding.
• Never try to relight a firework.
• If you are injured using fireworks, seek immediate medical attention.
• Never allow young children to play with or go near fireworks, including sparklers. They
• seem harmless but sparklers can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees.
• Never handle fireworks if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Published with permission from RISMedia.