LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — As Fourth of July celebrations ramp up, medical experts are reminding families that fireworks can turn dangerous in seconds when safety steps are ignored.
Doctors say every year they see a spike in serious injuries over the holiday weekend, including burns, eye injuries and severe facial trauma. They stress that children should never be around fireworks — including sparklers.
"We do not recommend that children are around fireworks," said Dr. Brit Anderson, Norton Emergency Medicine. "They just are very dangerous, as far as burns to the face, hands… even sparklers."
Many of the worst injuries happen in moments people think are safe, medical professionals said.
"I’ve seen people be killed by fireworks," said Dr. Matt Bozeman of the UofL Burn Center. "We recently have had people that have lost an eye, severe facial fractures… you’re having a great time out with your family celebrating, and the next thing you know, it all goes wrong."
Safety experts also warn against common mistakes, including holding fireworks in your hands, attempting to relight duds and storing fireworks improperly.
Last year alone, fireworks caused 15 deaths and more than 13,000 injuries nationwide.
Doctors urge anyone hurt to seek medical help immediately, especially in cases involving burns or facial injuries, as emergency rooms prepare for a busy holiday weekend.
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