6/15/2006

Firework Injury Prevention: Safety is in the Hands of Adults

Kleinert Kutz hand surgeons and Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center
advise adults to create a safe environment
 
(Louisville, Kentucky) As horses are to the Kentucky Derby, fireworks are to the Fourth of July. Bright lights, loud bursts and colorful flying displays signifying the national holiday add to an enjoyable July 4^th celebration. Whether sparked by children or ignited by adults, firework precautions should be considered to ensure a safe holiday event. The Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center and the hand surgeons at Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center warn of the possible dangers associated with fireworks.
 
“People underestimate how serious an injury can be, especially to the hands, fingers and arms when using fireworks,” says Thomas Harter, M.D., hand surgeon with Kleinert Kutz. “Fireworks are basically controlled explosions, so when one is used incorrectly, severe injury can occur.” 
 
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that approximately 9,000 people were treated for firework injuries in 2004, with 6,600 of those occurring two weeks before and after the July Fourth anniversary (most recent data available). The CPSC data also reports that the most frequently injured body parts in a firework-related injury are the fingers and hands.
 
“Most injuries are caused through the misuse of a firework, rather than a product fault, which means that many injuries can be prevented,” says Dr. Harter. To avoid injury, he recommends that parents read directions carefully and keep young children from using fireworks of any kind. “Firework-related injuries have significantly decreased over the past decade, but everyone should still be cautious when handling fireworks,” Dr. Harter added.  “For example, parents provide sparklers for their children’s entertainment and treat sparklers as a less dangerous firework when in fact they heat up to 1,000 degrees, contributing to the over 45 percent of total firework injuries to children under the age of 14. In addition, boys under the age of 14 are more likely to be hurt than girls when dealing with fireworks overall because they are more likely to engage in firework activities.”
 
The Center for Injury Prevention and Control states that individuals handling fireworks obtain more severe and frequent injuries than spectators. Regardless of age, gender or involvement level, a safe environment with the correct precautions will minimize the chance of injury for everyone and enhance Independence Day festivities.
                                                              
The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following when handling fireworks for any occasion:
 
Do
·         Have an adult present
·         Keep a water source near
·         Use common sense
·         Read and follow directions on labels
·         Buy from a reliable source
·         Use eye protection
 
Don’t
·         Wear loose clothing
·         Point fireworks or wave sparklers
·         Ignite more than one at a time
·         Mix drinking and fireworks
·         Try to re-light a faulty firework
·         Make or use homemade products
·         Launch from glass or metal containers
 
ABOUT THE JEWISH HOSPITAL HAND CARE CENTER
Jewish Hospital is the first in the United States to provide a unique state-of-the-art facility specially designed and equipped to treat hand, arm and shoulder injuries and diseases complete with emergency care, operating suites and overnight recovery center – all in one location. Physicians from Kleinert Kutz, along with specially trained Jewish Hospital hand care professionals, staff the Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center bringing the latest advances in medicine and treatment. The facility provides immediate and emergency care to patients. The Hand Care Center allows more direct and rapid treatment for those with specific injuries and problems to the hand, arm and shoulder.
 
ABOUT KLEINERT KUTZ HAND CARE CENTER
Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center is one of the largest hand care programs in the world, pioneering achievements in hand and microsurgery, research, therapy and orthotics. The physicians of Kleinert Kutz offer expertise in orthopedic and plastic surgery and provide comprehensive upper extremity care – from major trauma and replantations to less serious problems such as minor injuries. World “firsts” in partnership with Jewish Hospital and the University of Louisville School of Medicine include:
 
·         World’s most successful hand transplant
·         First reported repair of a digital artery
·         Technique for successful primary flexor tendon repair in “No Man’s Land”
·         First bilateral forearm replantation
·         First bilateral upper arm replantation
·         Pioneering work in primary reconstruction using free tissue transfer.
 
For more information visit our website at www.jhsmh.org.
 
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INTERVIEW A HAND CARE CENTER PHYSICIAN or for more information, please call Barbara Mackovic, Communications Manager at (502) 587-4230.
                                                
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