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Fireworks lead to millions in health costs for amputations

Date:
June 19, 2014
Source:
Loyola University Health System
Summary:
One report of seven states revealed that the cost of stay for those hospitalized due to a fireworks-related amputation of a finger, thumb or lower arm, was $15,600. Total costs for all fireworks-related injuries in this study was estimated at $1.4 million. Also prevalent are head and eye injuries, which account for 19 and 18 percent of total reported injuries respectively.
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As Independence Day nears, emergency departments and trauma centers nationwide are already beginning to treat patients injured by fireworks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, hand and finger damage are the most common injuries caused by fireworks and account for 32 percent of all injuries reported.

And that can have huge financial, social, and social media implications.

"Losing a finger can mean no more texting which really resonates with people today as a deterrent to risky summer behavior," says John Santaniello, MD, trauma surgeon at Loyola University Medical Center. "Lighting up YouTube with an awesome pyrotechnical display for your friends may result in blowing off your thumb, ending for good your ability to communicate using a handheld device."

One report of seven states revealed that the cost of stay for those hospitalized due to a fireworks-related amputation of a finger, thumb or lower arm, was $15,600. Total costs for all fireworks-related injuries in this study was estimated at $1.4 million.

Also prevalent are head and eye injuries, which account for 19 and 18 percent of total reported injuries respectively. "Fireworks are basically explosives and all are capable of causing severe injuries, but even minor injuries can cause significant functional disability when it comes to hand and eye function," said Santaniello, a former Marine. "Fireworks are not toys."

Fireworks that are considered legal are still very dangerous. Fireworks burn at approximately the same temperature as a household match and can cause burn injuries and ignite clothing, if used improperly. Sparklers burn at nearly 2000 degrees Fahrenheit at their center.

"Even fireworks that are classified as 'safer,' such as bottle rockets and sparklers, are responsible for some of the most serious wounds treated by emergency physicians," said Santaniello, a trauma surgeon who is also a professor of surgery, at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood.

In states that have been experiencing droughts, the stakes are higher. "Droughts bring an added risk of danger as sparks ignite highly combustible matter, such as grass and roofing," warns Santaniello. According to the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks, in 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, resulting in eight civilian deaths, 60 injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.

Here are some tips to help keep safe while celebrating Independence Day:

*If you choose to use legal fireworks, carefully read and follow all directions on the packaging.

*Plan safe activities for children. Give them glow-in-the-dark wands and noisemakers as substitutes for sparklers and firecrackers.

*Teach children about the dangers of fireworks and other explosives. Discourage children from lighting them and set a good example by never using fireworks yourself.

*If you find explosive substances around your home, call the local fire department's non-emergency line for disposal guidelines. Do not dispose of them or explode them yourself. Too many unknown factors like age, moisture levels and amount of explosive material make them dangerous and unpredictable.

*Never underestimate the inventiveness of children who sometimes try to concoct homemade devices. Keep potentially hazardous materials like lighter fluid, charcoal lighter and gasoline out of their reach.

*Never approach a firework device after it has been lighted, even if it appears to have gone out. It is likely to still be excessively hot and may explode unexpectedly.

*Consider safe alternatives for celebrations. Check the newspapers for community fireworks displays handled by professionals or hold a celebration at home where you can supervise your children's holiday festivities.

*If an injury occurs, call 911 or the local emergency phone number. Get immediate medical aid from experts who specialize in treating burns and other traumatic injuries.

* Make sure any area where firework debris may land is not dry and drought-ridden.

* Keep fire extinguishers and water hoses near at hand BUT always call 911 immediately if a fire starts


Story Source:

Materials provided by Loyola University Health System. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

Loyola University Health System. "Fireworks lead to millions in health costs for amputations." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 19 June 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140619111401.htm>.
Loyola University Health System. (2014, June 19). Fireworks lead to millions in health costs for amputations. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140619111401.htm
Loyola University Health System. "Fireworks lead to millions in health costs for amputations." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140619111401.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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