Emergency services expect surge of patients during July 4 celebrations

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Emergency room doctors are bracing for a surge in patients on July 4. UCHealth is warning of an increase in fireworks-related injuries as the holiday approaches.

Every year, UCHealth doctors help patients who come to the hospital with facial burns, body injuries and some with alcohol poisoning. UCHealth’s Adam Bariteau said the most common mistake people make is giving fireworks to small children during the Fourth of July.

He added that even sparklers can cause traumatic injuries in children. Fireworks are responsible for about 35 percent of hand and finger injuries. Doctors also often see parents come in with serious injuries after falling or hurting themselves while intoxicated. That’s why health officials are urging people to be especially careful on the Fourth of July.

“The number of serious, life-changing injuries I’ve seen over the years is no joke. You know, celebrating a holiday with your family and walking away with vision loss and an eye or a finger missing was probably not worth it,” said Adam Bariteau, an emergency physician at UCHealth Memorial.

Nationally, it is estimated that more than 46,000 people will visit emergency rooms on July 4.