Essex County Hospital Warns Of Fireworks Mishaps On July 4th – Livingston, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — For many, July 4th means fun, festivities and fireworks. But for some health care professionals, it means crossed fingers and extra preparation.

In preparation for the Independence Day weekend, the Burn Center of New Jersey at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston recently offered some crucial fireworks safety tips. (Read the list below)

According to hospital administrators, about two-thirds of fireworks injuries happen each year in a one-month span surrounding July 4, with most accidents resulting from store-bought items used by amateurs.

Last year, the hospital saw less than 10 injuries from firework mishaps, a spokesperson told Patch. But since Memorial Day 2019, staff have already seen two fireworks injuries… and that’s before the July 4th holiday officially blasted off.

“The Fourth of July brings fun, but it also brings some risks, especially in the case of fireworks,” said Michael Marano, medical director at the Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

“Most important is that children never use fireworks,” Marano emphasized. “This includes readily available sparklers which are the most common source of fire-related injuries.”

Watch Marano speak about fireworks safety here.

If using legalized fireworks, The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas asks that you please follow the safety precautions noted below from the National Council of Fireworks Safety:

  • A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
  • Read the package and follow instructions on lighting and extinguishing fireworks.
  • Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
  • Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
  • Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
  • Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
  • Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
  • Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
  • Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
  • Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SOMEONE GETS BURNED BY FIREWORKS?

In the event of a burn, it is important to immediately take the following steps, according to Saint Barnabas Medical Center:

  • Cool all burns with tepid to cool water. Continue flushing the area for up to 10 minutes. Do not apply ice, ointments, butter or other “home remedies.” Remove all clothing or garments to reduce the contact time with the hot items.
  • Cover affected areas with a clean dry cloth, towel or blanket to protect the burn and minimize pain.
  • Seek immediate medical attention, especially in burns involving children and older adults and in cases where skin is sloughing.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Livingston Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com