-- More than 21,000 fireworks-related injuries were treated in hospitals,
doctor's offices, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and emergency rooms
in 2007. Children under 17 accounted for approximately 11,000 of those
injuries.
-- The total cost for medical expenses, legal expenses, work loss, and
pain and suffering due to fireworks injuries equaled more than $615
million.
"Fireworks can be used safely by trained adults, but illegal firecrackers
or ones that are used improperly present substantial risks," said Clifford
Jones, MD, orthopaedic surgeon specializing trauma and member of the
Academy's Leadership Fellows Program. "If fireworks misfire or explode
prematurely, the extreme force can tear or destroy bones, tissue and
nerves, causing permanent damage to the body."
In an effort to reduce the number and severity of firework-related injuries
treated by orthopaedic surgeons, the AAOS recommends the following safety
guidelines for trained adults who choose to use fireworks:
-- Check with your local police department to determine if fireworks can
be discharged legally in your area. If so, determine which types are
legal.
-- Never buy illegal fireworks. Their quality cannot be assured.
-- Only adults should light fireworks.
-- Never hold lighted fireworks.
-- Never allow young children to play with or go near fireworks,
including sparklers. They seem harmless but sparklers can reach
temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees.
-- Never play with fireworks if you are under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
For more injury prevention tips
http://www.orthoinfo.org
About AAOS
To view a media-rich version of this release, go to:
http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2008/aaos062708/index.html
Contact Information: For more information, contact: Lauren Pearson 847/384-4031 Catherine Dolf 847/384-4034