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Fireworks are a familiar part of summer celebrations, especially around the Fourth of July, but they are also explosive devices that can cause serious injuries in seconds. Trauma and burn experts regularly caution that fireworks-related injuries can include severe burns, permanent scarring, loss of vision, and injuries to the fingers, hands, and face. Even smaller fireworks and novelty items can be dangerous when they are handled at home, used too close to others, or treated like toys.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave them to trained professionals and attend a public display from a safe distance. If fireworks are used at home where permitted, adults should take the risk seriously, follow local laws, read all instructions, and keep children well away from the area.

skin are most at risk

Fireworks injuries often affect parts of the body we rely on every day, including the hands, fingers, eyes, face, feet, and legs. Burns are also common because fireworks, sparks, and embers produce intense heat. Even minor burns to the hands, feet, and face can have long-term effects because these areas are so important for movement, vision, appearance, and daily function.

A few precautions can reduce risk. Use fireworks only outdoors in a clear area away from people, buildings, vehicles, dry grass, and other flammable materials. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby. Light one firework at a time, move back quickly, and never point or throw fireworks toward another person. Do not hold lit fireworks in your hand, attempt to relight a firework that does not go off, pick up a smoldering firework from the ground, or try to alter or combine fireworks. Alcohol use and fireworks use also do not mix.

First aid do’s and don’ts

If a burn happens, stop the burning process right away. Cool the burned area with clean, cool water, remove jewelry or tight clothing near the injury before swelling starts, and cover the burn with a clean, dry towel or dressing. Do not put butter, ointments, oils, sprays, toothpaste, or other home remedies on a serious burn. Do not place ice directly on the burn, and do not break blisters. If clothing is stuck to the burn, do not pull it away.

For eye injuries, protect the eye and seek medical care quickly. Do not rub the eye, apply pressure, or try to remove an object that may be stuck in the eye. If heat, sparks, smoke, or chemicals irritate or burn the eye, follow first aid guidance by flushing with clean, cool water when appropriate, then covering the eye gently with a clean cloth or shield. Even if an eye injury seems minor, it should be checked by an eye care professional.

Call 911 for any serious burn, injury to the face or eyes, heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, severe pain, suspected broken bones, or injury caused by an explosion. You should also seek medical attention immediately for burns that are large, deep, blistering, or cause numbness or severe pain. When in doubt, it is safer to call for help and have the injury evaluated quickly.

Sparklers are not kid-safe

Sparklers may seem harmless because they are small and often handed to children, but they are not toys. Sparklers can reach about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause serious burns. Young children may not have the coordination to hold a sparkler away from their body, keep it away from others, or understand that the wire remains hot after the flame goes out.

A safer choice is to give children glow sticks, bubbles, flags, or other festive items that do not involve heat, flame, or sparks. Children should also be taught that fireworks are explosive devices and should never be touched. If a child finds an unused firework, a used firework, or debris on the ground, they should tell an adult right away. Adults should contact local fire or police officials if there is concern about an unexploded firework.

Fireworks injuries are often preventable. Before lighting anything, pause and look at your surroundings. Make sure there is a safe perimeter, keep children and bystanders away, and know what you will do if something goes wrong. The best celebration is one that ends with everyone safe, healthy, and able to enjoy the rest of the summer.

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Kayla Keen, RN, is the trauma and injury prevention coordinator for UPMC Williamsport. The Trauma Survivors Network is now available as a resource for patients and families navigating recovery after a traumatic injury. For more information on acute care and trauma services at UPMC hospitals in north central Pennsylvania, go to UPMC.com/TraumaNCPA.