Fireworks accidents are a leading factor in eye injuries during the month of July.While fireworks are a fun and beautiful activity to observe, they must be handled with precaution and care. Fireworks injuries can result in burns, lacerations and loss of sight. With Independence Day celebrations around the corner, two University of Alabama at Birmingham experts offer tips and advice on staying safe and protecting loved ones from fireworks injuries this summer.

Burns and lacerations

Emergency rooms typically see an increase in fireworks injuries during Fourth of July weekend. While eye injuries are most associated with this holiday, burns and lacerations are also things to watch out for and hopefully prevent.

Bottle rockets and Roman candles are the most common fireworks involved in injuries.

Simple burns acquired from fireworks injuries can be treated at home. First-degree burns that do not affect a large surface area can be treated by rinsing the burn under cool water for around five minutes. Cooling the burn with a cold compress is the priority for simple burns.

“Seek medical attention if the burn is extensive, deep or causes severe pain,” said Jeremy Towns, M.D., assistant professor in emergency medicine and sports and exercise medicine at UAB Hospital. “Deep burns can actually be less painful because pain receptors can be damaged.”

Explosions from firework misfires and accidents can result in lacerations. Lacerations are injuries that occur when the skin becomes damaged and causes a tear in the skin.

Small lacerations can be treated at home by stopping the bleeding, cleaning the area and covering with an adhesive bandage.

“If there is any difficulty stopping the bleeding or the lacerations are deep or long, please go to the hospital,” Towns said. “Also, whenever there are any signs of infection, always seek medical attention.”

Follow these safety procedures to avoid injury, burns or blindness:

• Always use adult supervision. Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never use bottle rockets.
• Read and follow all manufacturers’ warnings and instructions.
• Keep a source of water close by in case of fire or another mishap.
• Make sure fireworks are legal before using them.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never throw fireworks at another person.
• Shoot fireworks on a clean, flat surface away from houses or flammable materials.
• Do not use fireworks while intoxicated.

Eye injuries

Ophthalmologists at the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital are always prepared for the various eye injuries that come with the July 4 holiday season. The UAB Callahan Eye team is equipped with a 24-hour emergency room and can perform surgeries within critical time frames.

“I’ve seen too many injuries related to fireworks, and many of these occur in children and innocent bystanders, resulting in permanent vision loss,” said John Owen, M.D., medical director of the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Emergency Department. “The safest route is to leave the fireworks to the professionals and attend a public display. If you choose to use fireworks yourself, it is important to take safety precautions and know what to do in case of an injury.”

If an eye injury from fireworks occurs, remember:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Do not rub your eyes.
• Do not rinse your eyes.
• Do not apply pressure.
• Do not remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
• Do not apply ointments or take any blood-thinning pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

“We have the equipment, the staff and the surgical backup to deal with any type of eye injury,” Owen said. “We’re the only eye emergency room in the state of Alabama and one of only a handful in the country. We’re available 24/7, and if there is a question about an eye injury of any kind, we encourage people to come in and let us take a look.”