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 Valhalla, NY - For many New Yorkers, fireworks and celebrations go together, especially on the Fourth of July, but fireworks particularly illegal fireworks can be extremely dangerous and often lead to serious debilitating injuries or even death.
Nationally, fireworks have become a tradition and, in many cases, a prerequisite for all July 4th celebrations. Sadly, each year in the United States, hundreds of adults and children are treated at hospitals for serious burns, amputations, eye injuries and disfigurement all as a result of injuries sustained from the use of illegal fireworks.
Westchester Medical Center (WMC) wants to remind all New Yorkers that in New York State as in other areas it is illegal to posses, sell or purchase ANY consumer fireworks. “Bottle rockets and other flying combustibles can fly in to peoples’ faces and ignite clothing, firecrackers can injure the hands or face if they explode at close range,” said Dr. David Goldwag, Director of the Emergency Department at Westchester Medical Center. “Even sparklers present a serious danger. These items, which can burn at a temperature of up to 800 degrees, often seem harmless but in reality they are very dangerous, especially in the hands of a child.”
The CDC reports that in 2006 (last year that these numbers are available), eleven people died and an estimated 9,200 were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in the United States and that one out of every three people injured were children under the age of 15. “These injuries most frequently involve the hands, fingers, eyes, head and face. More than half of the injuries are burns,” Dr. Goldwag added.
Everyone can have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July by simply leaving the fireworks to the licensed professionals. Today most communities host spectacular fireworks displays open to the public to help reduce the amount of injuries caused by unsafe, illegal demonstrations. Stay safe by attending a professionally managed fireworks display, controlled by licensed pyrotechnical experts in your community. Check with your local town hall, municipality or your local newspaper for the closest scheduled fireworks display.
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