Stay safe this Fourth of July: Ascension St. Vincent shares fireworks safety tips

As families across Indiana gather to celebrate the Fourth of July and America's 250th anniversary this weekend, Ascension St. Vincent is encouraging everyone to put safety first when enjoying holiday festivities.

Fireworks are a longstanding Independence Day tradition, but they can cause life-changing injuries in seconds. Every year, emergency departments across the country treat thousands of people for fireworks-related injuries, many of which are preventable. Burns account for approximately 40% of fireworks injuries treated in emergency rooms, and accidents can also result in serious hand and eye injuries, hearing damage and, in some cases, death.

Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs, Medical Director of the Ascension St. Vincent Adult and Pediatric Burn Center recently joined FOX59 to share his safety tips. Dr. Gibbs warns of sparklers specifically, "The thing to remember is sparklers burn very hot, hot enough to melt metal. One thing I would recommend for sparkler use is to have a bucket of water nearby to dispose of them."

Doctor Jon Voyles is a pediatrician with Peyton Manning Children's Hospital. He is urging families especially to keep their kids away from the fireworks.

He says, "Fireworks are not toys. They're explosive devices. Incendiary devices. So, have adults working the fireworks and not the kids."

Fireworks safety tips
Whether you're attending a neighborhood celebration or watching a community fireworks show, following these safety tips can help prevent injuries:

• Leave fireworks to the professionals. Attend one of the many public fireworks displays taking place across Indiana instead of setting off fireworks at home.
• Keep fireworks away from children. Never allow children to ignite or handle fireworks or sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures hot enough to cause serious burns.
• Consider safer alternatives like glow sticks, bubbles or pinwheels.
• Light fireworks safely. Ignite fireworks one at a time and never attempt to relight a firework that doesn't ignite properly.
• Be prepared. Keep a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby whenever fireworks are in use.
• Dispose of fireworks properly. Soak used fireworks and sparklers in water before throwing them away to help prevent accidental fires and burns.
• Never use fireworks while impaired. Alcohol or drug use significantly increases the risk of serious injury.

When to seek medical care
Despite taking precautions, accidents can still happen. Anyone who experiences a significant burn, eye injury, uncontrolled bleeding or other traumatic injury related to fireworks should seek emergency medical care immediately.

If someone is burned:

• Cool the burn with cool (not ice-cold) running water.
• Do not apply ice, butter or ointments to serious burns.
• Do not attempt to remove embedded debris.
• Seek emergency care for severe burns or injuries involving the face, hands, feet or eyes.

Fireworks safety doesn't end on July 4
Fireworks injuries continue throughout the summer, often involving leftover fireworks that are improperly stored or handled. Families should store unused fireworks securely away from children and ensure they are only handled by responsible adults following all safety precautions.

As part of the Level I Trauma Center in Indianapolis, the Ascension St. Vincent Burn Center is Indiana's only American Burn Association-verified burn center providing care for both adults and children. The multidisciplinary team of burn surgeons, trauma surgeons and plastic surgeons delivers comprehensive treatment, from emergency care through recovery, for patients with burn and traumatic injuries. To learn more about burn care services at Ascension St. Vincent, visit the Burn Center webpage.