Spark Memories, Prioritize Safety This Fourth of July

6/24/2024

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (June 24, 2024) – As Independence Day approaches, Northwest Health emphasizes the importance of fireworks safety to prevent injuries and avoid a trip to the emergency department. While fireworks have been an integral part of Fourth of July festivities since 1777, it has not been without risk and should be handled only by experienced pyrotechnicians.

“Leaving fireworks to the professionals is one way to stay safe during the Fourth of July holiday,” said Northwest Medical Center – Springdale Chief Nursing Officer Shelly Cordum. “Attending community-sponsored displays allows families to enjoy the celebration from a distance, without putting you or your loved ones in harm’s way.”

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related incidents have led to a significant number of injuries and fatalities. In fact, in 2022, there were 11 reported deaths and more than 10,000 injuries treated in emergency departments because of misuse, malfunction or tip-overs.

While the majority of incidents were because of amateurs attempting to use professional-grade or homemade fireworks or explosives, less powerful fireworks like firecrackers and sparklers also can cause significant damage. The National Council on Fireworks Safety research shows more than half of sparkler-related injuries happen to children younger than 14. While seemingly a harmless way to celebrate, sparklers can reach temperatures exceeding 2,000°F – hot enough to melt some metals.

“If sparklers can melt metals, imagine the severity of the third-degree burns they can cause to hands,” Cordum said. “It’s important to remember that even with adult supervision, there isn’t safe way for a child to handle a sparkler.”

The most common injuries seen in emergency departments are burns – accounting for 38% of all fireworks-related injuries – however, fireworks injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to amputation or blindness. The areas most susceptible to injury are hands and fingers, legs, head, face, ears and eyes.

Each year, the emergency rooms (ER) at Northwest Health see injuries caused by fireworks around the Fourth of July and other holidays.

If you or a loved one does get injured, head to the nearest ER if a burn is larger than the size of a palm or if there are any key indicators of infection such as redness, swelling or drainage. Our ERs are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days out of the year and with seven locations in Northwest Arkansas including Springdale, Bentonville, Fayetteville and Siloam Springs, you can find an ER near you by visiting EmergencyRoomNow.com/northwest-health/.

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