Doctors and hospitals have a message for July 4: Leave the fireworks to the professionals

Families can have fun in many different ways, but spending time in the emergency room isn’t at the top of the list.

This is one reason why doctors and hospitals are urging families to avoid lighting fireworks themselves and leave the task to professionals.

Erica Hodgman, MD, director of the pediatric burn program at Johns Hopkins Children’s, says the emergency department typically sees a lot of injured children around the Fourth of July holiday weekend. She’s among many doctors urging families not to set off homemade fireworks.

“If you really want to see fireworks, we always recommend going to a professional show, going to the big show in town or coming to town to see them,” she said. “It’s always going to be more impressive than what you bought at the roadside stand, and certainly a lot safer.”

Dr. Raymond Wittstadt, a hand surgeon at the Curtis National Hand Center, said hands are frequently injured by fireworks, “ranging from burns to traumatic injuries and amputations.”

“We can replant fingers, but only if the finger is intact and there is a place to replant it. My advice? Your hands are irreplaceable. Leave the fireworks to the experts,” Wittstadt said in a statement from MedStar Health.

Nationally, 9,700 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks injuries in 2023, and fireworks resulted in eight deaths, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Doctors have a number of suggestions for families who are determined to light fireworks to celebrate the holidays.

Do not do it. Got it? Doctors recommend that families go to professional fireworks shows.

Check the labels. If you are determined to do it yourself, only use fireworks labeled “consumer.” Do not use fireworks labeled “professional.”

Keep out of reach of childrenDo not allow children to handle fireworks, including sparklers.

Drinking and fireworks don’t mix. If you light fireworks, do not drink or use other substances.

One at a time. Light the fireworks one by one and quickly back away.

No pointing. Do not point or throw fireworks at anyone, including sparklers.

Keep water handy. Have a hose or bucket of water nearby in case fireworks start a fire, and extinguish used devices to prevent a trash fire.