HCA Healthcare Urges Firework Safety Ahead of 4th of July Holiday
With the July 4th holiday approaching, hospitals nationwide are bracing for a surge in emergency room visits, mainly due to fireworks mishandling. Many injuries are caused by individuals who misuse fireworks or ignite them while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a lack of safety awareness. “We often see injuries from firecrackers exploding at close range and sparklers causing severe burns to the face, hands, and feet when mishandled,” stated Dr. Kevin Bryan, an emergency room physician at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. Firecrackers can inflict severe injuries if they detonate near the face or hands. Sparklers, which burn at approximately 2,000 degrees—hot enough to melt metal—pose significant risks as well, often causing severe burns and potential eye injuries.
