“Unfortunately, most people don’t realize the dangers associated with them,” said Dr. John Fitzwater he he warns parents of the dangers of fireworks.
“We know that of the people injured in the United States every year from fireworks, half of those people are children under the age of 15.”
He says the consequences for a kid being injured from a firework are more than parents realize.
“My recommendation be that children not play with fireworks,” he said, “Which I know is a bit of a let down for many kids on the 4th of July, but there’s just nothing safe about them.”
80% of burns associated with fireworks are either to the hands or face, including the eyes according to Dr. Fitzwater.
“With eyes, it’s really important not to let your child rub their eyes, they need to leave it alone, and in fact if you want to take a styrofoam cup or something to put over the eye so that their hands will stay away from their eyes, but nothing that would delay getting them to an emergency room.”
Dr. Fitzwater wants everyone to have a fun but most importantly ER free 4th of July.
“So we happen to live in a city that puts on wonderful fireworks shows and my recommendation would be if you enjoy fireworks, find a professional display and go enjoy them as a family,” said Dr. Fitzwater.
Click here for a list of events going on in Lubbock for 4th on Broadway.
