Celebrate 4th of July Safely!
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June 27, 2018
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Celebrate Safely
While we love fireworks, we believe it is best to leave them to the professionals. Many cities across the country host some of the best fireworks displays. Grab a blanket and some snacks and enjoy the show. If you live in a state more lenient about fireworks and choose to participate, please take all precaution necessary.
- Keep them away from children
- Wear protective eye wear. Eye protection is a must and should be worn at all times by everyone, including bystanders and onlookers. Fireworks are responsible for 14% of firework-related injury and can cause serious damage including loss of vision.
What to do in the event of an eye injury:
- Do not rub the eye. Rubbing the eye may increase bleeding or make the injury worse.
- Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
- Do not apply pressure to the eye itself. Holding or taping a foam cup or the bottom of a juice carton to the eye are just two tips. Protecting the eye from further contact with any item, including the child’s hand, is the goal.
- Do not stop for medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the child to the emergency room at once – this is more important than stopping for a pain reliever.
- Do not apply ointment. Ointment, which may not be sterile, makes the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.
- Do not let your child play with fireworks, even if his/her friends are setting them off. Sparklers burn at 1800 degrees Farenheit, and bottle rockets can stray off course or throw shrapnel when they explode.
More About Fireworks Injuries
