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Are you prepared for Independence Day incidents and injuries?

From burns to bleeding, head trauma to amputation, be prepared for when fireworks go wrong

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Two-thirds of fireworks injuries reported in the U.S. occur in the 4 weeks surrounding Independence Day.

While many Americans are packing coolers for the beach, firing up the grill and turning on the sprinklers, EMS providers know all too well that 4th of July celebrations can often turn disastrous. Whether it’s heat-related illness, drownings or intoxicated drivers, there are several threats to warn communities about this month, in addition to the danger of fireworks.

Two-thirds of fireworks injuries reported in the U.S. occur in the 4 weeks surrounding Independence Day. More than 1/4 of fireworks fires reported over a 4-year span by the NFPA occurred on the holiday itself.

[Complete the form on this page to download an infographic on fireworks injuries]

The number of fireworks injuries decreased slightly in 2021 (see table), according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s “Fireworks-Related Deaths, Emergency Department-Treated Injuries, and Enforcement Activities During 2021” report. A similar analysis of injuries during the summer of 2020 identified an approximately 50% increase in injuries year over year, which the report attributed to the cessation of public firework displays during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an increase in consumers putting on their own displays, which may in part explain the sharp rise.

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The CPSC report accounted for the following estimated data on fireworks injuries and death in the U.S. in 2021:

  • 9 non-occupational fireworks-related deaths
  • 11,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments
  • 1,500 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers
  • 1,100 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers

Of the fireworks injuries in 2021, 8,500 (74%) were treated during the 1-month period between June 18, 2021 and July 18, 2021.

Children (younger than age 15) accounted for 29% of the estimated injuries, with adults ages 25-44 accounting for another 32%.

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Download your copy below.

Fireworks injuries: type and location


According to the CPSC report, the parts of the body most frequently injured by fireworks include:

  • Arms (8%)
  • Eyes (14%)
  • Hands and fingers (31%)
  • Head, face, and ears (21%)
  • Legs (15%)

Listed causes of death from fireworks in 2021 include:

  • Anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to a face, neck, and chest blast injury
  • Blood loss from damage to the femoral artery
  • Complications of blunt head trauma
  • Exsanguination
  • Thermal and inhalation injuries

When responding to a fireworks-related injury, be prepared to treat the following.

This Independence Day, be prepared, and stay safe with 10 safety tips for paramedics working on the 4th of July.

Read the report: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s “Fireworks-Related Deaths, Emergency Department-Treated Injuries, and Enforcement Activities During 2020”

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2021-Fireworks-Annual-Report.pdf
Fill out the form on this page to download a fireworks injury infographic.

This article, originally published in June 2021, has been updated with new information.

Kerri Hatt is editor-in-chief, EMS1, responsible for defining original editorial content, tracking industry trends, managing expert contributors and leading execution of special coverage efforts. Prior to joining Lexipol, she served as an editor for medical allied health B2B publications and communities. Kerri has a bachelor’s degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. She is based out of Charleston, SC. Share your personal and agency successes, strategies and stories with Kerri at khatt@lexipol.com.