The Fourth of July holiday brings fun and excitement, but it also sees a significant spike in emergency room visits across the Lowcountry. From fireworks accidents to boating injuries and grilling mishaps, hospitals like Trident are busiest during this time due to the risks associated with celebrations. Doctors warn about the dangers of fireworks, alcohol, and other holiday activities and encourage caution to prevent injuries.
Firework-Related Injuries on the Rise
According to Dr. Kenneth Perry, Assistant Medical Director at Trident’s Emergency Department, the combination of alcohol and fireworks makes the Fourth of July and New Year’s the busiest times for hospitals. “It’s not just that day; as soon as we start having people purchase more fireworks, we’re going to start seeing some of those injuries,” Perry explained. He noted that the hospital is expecting to see a rise in injuries throughout the holiday weekend.
One of the most common mistakes people make when handling fireworks is neglecting eye protection. Dr. Steven Kahn, Chief of Burn Surgery at MUSC, highlighted that many people light fireworks while holding them or pick up a “dud” without waiting for it to cool down, leading to serious injuries. “They lean over something to look at it without facial or eye protection, thinking it’s a ‘dud,’ and it explodes in their face,” Kahn said.
Safety Tips for Handling Fireworks
Doctors advise a few simple safety practices to avoid injuries:
Always keep a safe distance when lighting fireworks.
Use gloves when handling fireworks and other materials.
Never light multiple fireworks at once.
Extinguish unused fireworks from a distance.
Sparklers, often considered harmless, can actually be more dangerous than many realize. The material burns at a very high temperature and can easily cause burns or eye injuries. “Sparklers burn even hotter when lit together in a pack,” said Dr. Perry, stressing that they are not as safe as many think.
Other Common Holiday Injuries
In addition to firework-related injuries, doctors report an increase in incidents involving boating accidents, bonfires, grills, and machinery accidents while intoxicated. These situations can lead to burns, cuts, and other serious injuries, especially when alcohol is involved.
Dr. Kahn recalled that last year, 10 people were admitted for firework-related injuries on the Fourth of July, with more coming in over the following days. “We see people who use accelerants like gasoline or kerosene with fireworks, which is a big no-no and can cause major injury,” he added. Clothing catching fire is another danger that doctors see, as it can escalate a burn injury quickly.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Doctors advise erring on the side of caution and seeking medical attention even if a burn or injury seems minor. “There are burns that might seem small but can become much worse if not treated properly,” Dr. Perry warned. It’s always better to seek care sooner rather than later to avoid complications down the road.
While the Fourth of July is a time for fun, it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with fireworks, alcohol, and other holiday activities. Hospitals across the Lowcountry are already preparing for the increased number of injuries, and doctors urge everyone to follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe celebration. Stay cautious and take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming part of the holiday injury statistics.
