As the July 4th holiday approaches, there is both good news and bad news about injuries from fireworks.  The good news: These injuries dropped by 15 percent between 2005 and 2006.  The bad news: There were still 9,200 people treated for fireworks-related injuries in emergency departments in 2006. 

“We are pleased the rate of injuries from fireworks has dropped, but 9,200 people injured is still 9,200 too many,” said Dr. Linda Lawrence, American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) spokesperson.  “Nearly half of the injuries were to the head, and one-third of the injured were for children under age 15.  Emergency physicians can and do perform miracles every day, but there are some injuries we cannot undo.  We can never replace a hand or an eye or a life.”

This year, the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks has produced two public service announcements (PSAs) that are available.  ACEP is encouraging the public to view these PSAs and then make the smart choice: play it safe and leave fireworks displays to the professionals.

Here are some facts and figures from 2006.

• Sixty percent of fireworks injuries occur in the month surrounding July 4th.
• Ninety percent of fireworks injuries treated in the emergency department come from consumer fireworks.
• Sparklers alone, which may burn at temperatures higher than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, were responsible for more than 20 percent of fireworks injuries.
• More than half of fireworks injuries were burns.
• Males accounted for three-quarters of all fireworks injuries.

“A drop of 15 percent in just one year is great progress, but it would be even better if we eliminated fireworks injuries completely,” said Dr. Lawrence.  “We encourage all Americans to celebrate July 4th safely and responsibly by attending only professional fireworks displays.”