Stay Safe, Celebrate Smart & Leave Fireworks to the Professionals July 2, 2025 As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day with dazzling fireworks and festive gatherings, 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.” In 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported nearly 15,000 people received emergency treatment for firework-related injuries — a 52% increase from the previous year. The most frequently injured body parts are hands and fingers (36%), head, face and ears (22%), and eyes (16%). Burns are the most common injury, making up 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. Buy state fire marshal-approved fireworks from a licensed fireworks stand. Do not try to re-light or pick up fireworks that did not fully ignite. Keep a kid-free zone and don’t allow children to handle fireworks or sparklers. Use an extendable lighter to light one firework at a time and never aim them at people. Avoid alcohol and drugs while handling fireworks as they increase the risk of injury. Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water overnight 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.
