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News Release
Regions Hospital physician available to talk about fireworks safety
Regions ER treat 10 fireworks injuries each year
June 30, 2009
ST.PAUL, Minn. - Regions Hospital has safety tips to reduce injuries from fireworks. William Mohr, MD, heads of Regions Hospitals burn unit reports that every year around July 4, Regions treats an average of 10 fireworks injuries such as torn fingers, powder burns, and injuries to eyes and eardrums. About 90 people seek medical care each year in Minnesota for fireworks injuries with children under the age of 14 at the highest risk according to the Minnesota Safety Council.
"Even fireworks that are considered to be relatively safe, such as sparklers, burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause serious burns by igniting clothing," said Dr. Mohr. He offers these safety tips:
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Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
- Set off fireworks on a hard, level surface in a clear, open area.
- Light fireworks one at a time, don't alter them or combine them.
- Don't try to re-light or fix a "dud" firework; let it sit for about 20 minutes and then immerse it in water.
- Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
- Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
Dr. Mohr is head of Regions Hospital Burn Center, one of the first burn centers in the nation and one of the most comprehensive burn centers in the Upper Midwest. It provides care for thermal, electrical and chemical burns, frostbite, exfoliative skin disorders and chronic wounds.
About Regions Hospital
Regions Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and teaching hospital serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin for more than 130 years. Regions is a private, non-profit hospital providing outstanding care in women's health, heart, cancer, surgery, orthopaedics, neurosciences, burn, emergency care and more. Regions is part of the HealthPartners family of care. Additional information is available at regionshospital.com.
Contact: 952-883-5308
651-629-0411pager
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