Abstract
Abstract Introduction Despite existing restrictions and laws related to sale and use of fireworks, prevention of firework injuries has not reached its goal line. The purpose of this project is to identify impact of firework injuries and to seek for any trends or patterns. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 2019 firework related injuries treated at our burn center and obtained 2017–2019 firework data from the County Firework Authority. All patients treated in the month of July 2019 at emergency department, clinic, and inpatient service were included. Data extracted include patient demographics, nature of injury, type of firework involved, location, treatment, and length of stay. Results A total of 24 cases were reported to the county and 14 patients received care for firework related injuries in our center. Additionally, four out of the fourteen patients reported or screened to be positive for alcohol, THC and or toxic drug. Further, three of the incidents happened in cities not permitted for firework. Even though total burn surface area was less than 5% for all patients, 50% of patients required surgical treatment, including amputation of fingers for one patient. Hand burn was observed to be the most (78%) common body part affected. Conclusions Preventable injuries of 14 cases related to fireworks in a single burn center around a holiday could be considered a large group. However, our center is in a county with less than national average firework injuries and had reported fourteen less cases in 2019 than 2018. Further, only 10 out of 34 cities in the county have firework permits. “Safe and sane” fireworks, allowed in the 10 permitted cities, were named only in a single incident. The majority of incidents involved fireworks illegal in all cities of the county, including M-80’s, firecrackers, mortars, roman candles and bottle rockets. Cities were probably safer in 2019 due to significantly larger (5965lbs) confiscated fireworks. While 2019 injuries is relatively lesser in volume compared to previous years and other locations, significant injuries leading to surgery and loss of body part requires further preventive work. Applicability of Research to Practice There is a need for increased education and prevention efforts regarding fireworks and potential for burn injury. This education needs to include both the device user and associated bystanders. Advocacy should involve the development of safety features for these devices and additional stringent policies and law enforcement.
Published Version
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