Overview

• Consumer Product Safety Commission data show fireworks injuries rose 52% last year to 14,700 ER treatments with 11 deaths.
• Chicago Fire Department and other agencies have demonstrated sparkler temperatures of up to 1,800°F to highlight risks of severe burns and hand injuries.
• Officials are advising Americans to attend professional fireworks displays to rely on trained pyrotechnicians and reduce bystander risk.
• Emergency medicine experts emphasize immediate first response for burns and eye trauma, including cooling with water, applying dry sterile dressings and shielding injured eyes with makeshift cups.
• Hospitals nationwide have added trauma teams and postponed elective procedures to handle an anticipated Independence Day surge that historically exceeds 45,000 ER visits over July 4 and 5.