Posted 7-3-08

Fireworks Injure Thousands of Children Each Year

Safe Kids Wyoming Offers Fourth of July Safety Tips

Cheyenne (Cheyenne Regional Medical Center) -- In 2006, more than 2000 children ages 14 and under were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries involving fireworks from the middle of June until the middle of July. Children ages 10 to 14 have the highest rate of injury from fireworks.

According to Stephanie Heitsch, Safe Kids Wyoming coordinator, children should never be allowed to play with fireworks. “Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces, with plenty of active supervision for every child present,” said Heitsch, who also serves as Injury Prevention coordinator for Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.

Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. “Teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire — ‘stop, drop and roll’ — and how to call 911 in an emergency,” said Heitsch.

The only pyrotechnic devices permitted for use in Cheyenne are sparklers, poppers and worms/snakes. All other devices are illegal in the city. Where permitted by law, fireworks should be handled and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all warning labels.

Safe Kids Wyoming recommends the following precautions for adults using fireworks:

• Light fireworks on smooth, flat surfaces, and aim them away from buildings, dry leaves, flammable materials and spectators.
• Do not try to relight fireworks that malfunction.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.
• Visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the pyrotechnic devices you are using are not subject to any safety recalls. Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.
• Keep a phone handy, and know first aid for burns. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy, and know how to use it.

“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community event where professionals are handling them,” said Heitsch. “But if children are present while adults are using fireworks, the children should be kept in sight and in reach at all times."

For more information about fireworks safety and burn prevention, contact 307-633-7525 or visit www.safekidswyoming.org.

Safe Kids Wyoming works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children 14 and under. Safe Kids Wyoming is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury.

Cheyenne Regional is a 218-bed premier regional healthcare system that prides itself on delivering extraordinary patient care for the region.