What is the safest way to prevent fireworks injuries?
• The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals. How extensive is the problem? • In 2005, four persons died and an estimated 10,800 were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in the United States. • An estimated 5% of fireworks-related injuries treated in emergency departments required hospitalization. Who is most likely to be injured? • About 60% of all fireworks-related injuries in 2005 occurred between June 18 and July 18. During that time period: o about 45% of persons injured from fireworks were children ages 14 years and younger; o males were injured by fireworks more than twice as often as females; and o children ages 10 to 14 years had the highest injury rate for fireworks-related injuries. • Persons who are actively participating in fireworks-related activities are more frequently injured, and sustain more severe injuries, than bystanders. When do these injuries happen? • Injuries occur on
