Fireworks injuries all too common

Fireworks injuries all too common

Fireworks-related injuries send thousands of people to emergency departments each year, with the highest concentration occurring around the Fourth of July.

In one national analysis, an estimated 7,300 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments surrounding the Fourth of July period in 2019, and there were an estimated 10,000 fireworks injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms that year overall.

Children are especially vulnerable:

• 36 percent of fireworks injuries were to children under age 15.
• Children aged 0 to 4 had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries.

Firework injuries continue to rise over time. A national study found the following:

• Emergency department visits increased from 5,727 in 2008 to 7,699 in 2017.
• More than 70 percent occur in July.

"Fireworks may look festive, but they can cause life-changing burns, hand trauma and various other injuries in seconds," said Mason Fisher, MD, Trauma Surgery, Emplify Health by Gundersen. "The safest choice is to leave fireworks to trained professionals and keep children away from consumer fireworks altogether."

National data shows the burden is significant every year. In 2019, fireworks devices were involved in an estimated 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms, and 12 fireworks-related deaths were reported. More recent reporting found 14,700 people sought emergency room treatment for fireworks injuries in 2024, up from 9,700 in 2023.

Health officials encourage families to celebrate safely by attending licensed public fireworks displays, keeping a safe distance from any fireworks activity, and avoiding consumer fireworks whenever possible.