LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Every year in the United States, we celebrate the Fourth of July with community parades, picnics, barbecues, and fireworks - the things of which happy memories are made.
But sadly, Independence Day also includes tragic events resulting from fireworks use. The safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by communities.
In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks-related injuries. 73 percent of these injuries occurred between June 18 - July 18.
Burns were the most common injury to all parts of the body except the eyes, where contusions, lacerations, and foreign bodies in the eye occurred more frequently.
On this Medical Monday, opthamologist Dr. David Warner ws in studio with tips on how to protect your eyes if you choose to shoot off fireworks. Click on the THVideo!
(Source: U.S. Fire Administration)