Safety First This Fourth: Celebrate Without the Risk June 16, 2026 As Fourth of July celebrations approach, Samaritan’s emergency department leaders are urging caution. “The Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest times for us,” said Ashley McMann, MD, Trauma Services medical director at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. “We see extensive burns and injuries to hands, faces, ears and eyes.” According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 14,700 people were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in 2024, representing a significant increase from the previous year. The most frequently injured body parts are hands and fingers (36%), followed by the head, face and ears (22%). Burns are the most common injury, accounting for 37% of all emergency department visits. “The misuse or malfunction of fireworks is often the reported cause of the injury,” said Katie Hennick, Trauma Services manager at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. “Even sparklers, which many people consider to be safe, can burn at temperatures comparable to a welding torch and hot enough to melt some metals.” Firework Safety Tips To keep your celebration safe and injury-free, follow these tips: Attend public displays instead of lighting your own. Only purchase legal, consumer-grade fireworks from licensed retailers. Never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers. Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of fire or malfunction. Light one firework at a time and move back quickly. Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that did not fully ignite. Avoid using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Follow all instructions and never hold fireworks unless specifically directed. Dispose of fireworks safely by soaking them in water before discarding. When to Seek Medical Help Knowing when to seek medical attention for a firework-related injury can make a critical difference in recovery. “If someone suffers a large burn, an eye injury or any blast-related trauma, they should seek emergency care immediately,” Dr. McMann said. “Even what looks like a minor injury can become serious very quickly.” Samaritan’s emergency departments, located at all five hospitals, are always open. Call 911 in cases of life-threatening injuries.
