We’re all excited for a “normal” Independence Day – with family, food, and fireworks, many Americans are gearing up for a fun and exciting weekend. But it’s important to celebrate safely: every year around the 4th of July, we see a spike in accidents and ER visits.
During the two weeks surrounding the 4th of July in 2018, there were over 5,600 people treated in emergency rooms for pyrotechnic injuries. Of these patients, 36% were children younger than 15, and half were people under 20, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Fireworks and sparklers account for many of the pyrotechnic injuries, especially in children.
The most vulnerable parts of the body, according to ER data, are hands and fingers, followed closely by legs and eyes. “One in seven injuries from fireworks is to the eye and at least a quarter of those can cause permanent vision loss. People can lose their fingers, clothing can ignite,” Dr. Samir Doshi, with St. Luke’s Health System in Kansas City, Missouri, told KMBC-TV.
These injuries are largely preventable, so the best thing you can do is prepare! Kids should never be left unsupervised with fireworks. When lighting, the fireworks should be a safe distance away from all people; never try to relight a firework that didn’t ignite, and never point or aim fireworks at anybody. Always keep a water bucket on hand, and always, always have a first aid kit nearby. AED.US has a wide range of rescue products including first aid kits, Stop The Bleed kits, and Mobilize Rescue Systems, that will fit all your needs. We’re currently offering 10% off with code “SAFETY10” at checkout!
Other common 4th of July accidents include car crashes, boat accidents, cooking fires, and pool accidents. Always be cautious, especially on the road and around open fires. To ensure that you’re never caught empty handed, reach out to us and ask about our portable rescue systems.
From our family to yours, stay safe, and happy 4th of July!
Sources
Tu, Yongling, and Jason Ng. “2018 Fireworks Annual Report.” United States Consumer Product Safety Commission , 2019, cpsc.gov/.
Written by Blaire CzarnieckiCustomer Service Director
Blaire attended the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology- Child and Family Studies. She has been in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) industry for over eight years and is the Director of Customer Service for Coro Medical. Blaire is also an American Red Cross-certified CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, highly trained by each manufacturer on their specific AEDs, and knowledgeable regarding ALL State AED regulations and legislation.“I know that every day I come to work, I am playing a part in saving someone’s life. I am passionate about these devices and am always looking for new and innovative ways to spread awareness and knowledge about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). I look forward to the day when everywhere I go, I will see an AED—when SCA will no longer take any lives.”
Last updated June 23rd, 2021.