On behalf of your emergency medicine colleagues everywhere, we offer some safety reminders this 4th of July.
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, if you do plan to use fireworks on your own, follow these safety tips to limit your risk of serious burns or injury:
- Make sure you buy fireworks, sparklers, or other flammable items from reputable, legal sellers.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and a large bucket of water or hose nearby.
- Light one at a time and keep everything flammable away from children. This includes sparklers, which can burn hot enough to melt metal and cause serious burns or injuries.
- Never try to re-light or handle fireworks that malfunction or do not go off.
- Do not ignite fireworks in containers. That could create dangerous shrapnel.
- Avoid horseplay with or near fireworks, torches, candles, or any flammable items; do not point fireworks at people or launch them toward anyone.
- When lighting a firework do not stand directly over it. Back up immediately after it is lit.
- After use, spray fireworks with water until soaked. Placing dry fireworks in a trash can creates a fire hazard.
Wishing a safe and happy Independence Day to everyone in this community. And a special thanks to everyone here who supports the Emergency Rooms at your institutions (A special shout out to my wife, who is the emergency peds fellowship director at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and is working the holiday.)
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Penny Schnarrs she/her
Director of Community Relations and Strategy
Association of American Medical Colleges
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