2023-12-21 19:00:30
Christmas is a time to stay with family or simply get away from the daily routine. Food is abundant and is one of the reasons behind the weight gain throughout this season. Although something equally dangerous is that there is also an increase in accidents due to the use of fireworks.
The numbers tell a dark story: Firework injuries accounted for more than 11,000 emergency room visits in 2021 in the United States alone, according to the National Fire Protection Association of that country.
The entire population is at risk
These injuries are most common in young adults between 20 and 24 years of age. While the next group with the most injuries is children aged 5 to 9, who represent a quarter of all fireworks accidents.
Half of the visits to the fireworks related emergency room in children under 5 years old are caused by sparklers, something many parents may find surprising.
“Sparklers are often seen as a less risky option, but it is important to remember that they burn at approximately 1,000°C. They can cause serious skin injuries, sometimes even a third-degree burn, in a very short time,” warns Dr. J. Finkelstein, medical director of the emergency department at Houston Methodist Hospital.
It’s not just about the flares, of course. The injuries by rockets and firecrackers are also the cause of visits to the hospital. In fact, any firework can cause serious harm and even death.
Serious accidents that fireworks can cause
The most common sites of injuries They are the extremities: fingers, legs, feet, hands and toes, which account for 35% of all fireworks accidents. However, it is not uncommon for the eyes, head and neck to also be affected.
Las more severe injuries They can range from third degree burns to loss of sight or limb. High-powered commercial fireworks can also cause chest injuries and concussions.
Bodily injuries aside, fireworks accidents also caused about 12,000 fires in the United States alone in 2021 and accounted for about $60 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
10 tips to prevent accidents due to the use of fireworks
Never allow children under 5 years of age to handle Fireworks
Closely supervise older children while using sparklers and never allow them to light Fireworks explosives Light only one firework at the same time and keep a safe distance Wear protective glasses when turning them on Never hold them on in your hands Never point them Fireworks towards another person Never use Fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol Never try to turn on or manipulate the devices again. Fireworks that malfunction Soak the Fireworks spent and unused in a bucket of water overnight Never use Fireworks illegal or homemade
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