Dr. David Huckins, the interim chair for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Salem Hospital, is advising fireworks safety during the Fourth of July holiday.
A press release from Salem Hospital stated that every year, the emergency departments in the Mass General Brigham system see multiple patients who have sustained significant burns at Fourth of July celebrations that will result in lifelong disfigurement.
This includes devastating injuries caused by fireworks that explode in the hands of children and adults, the press release reads.
“Fireworks are not toys. They are explosives that make noise, produce light, or both. Fireworks are dangerous and can cause serious burns and injuries, particularly to a person’s hands and fingers, face, ears, and eyes,” Dr. Huckins said. “Some combustibles have the explosive power of military weapons and the results of use by amateurs can be catastrophic. We strongly recommend against personal use of fireworks, but if you do, please keep the safety of yourself and your loved ones, especially children, at the forefront.”
Marblehead firefighter John Laquin said the safest way to experience the Fourth of July is to not set off fireworks.
“Just be smart,” he added.
Dr. Huckins said that there is no safe approach to using explosives, especially when children are involved because children often do not understand the destructive potential of fireworks.
He advised caregivers to explain the risks to children and limit their access to fireworks, as well as, projectiles, commonly known as “bottle rockets” or “Roman candles,” that can be “especially dangerous.”
“They not only place the user at risk, but also endanger bystanders,” he said.
One of the tips that Dr. Huckins recommended was lighting fireworks one at a time, then moving to a safe distance quickly. He also advised people to never place any part of their body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse and to not relight or pick up fireworks that have not filly ignited.
Anyone who handles fireworks should wear safety goggles to protect their eyes from flying sparks or debris. Dr. Huckins said people should never point or throw fireworks at another person.
He added that people should never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
Dr. Huckins said people should also avoid using alcohol and drugs when operating fireworks.
After fireworks finish burning, Dr. Huckins said to douse the spent device with water before discarding it to prevent a trash fire. He said people should also keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other problems.