As families across the country prepare to celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250^th anniversary, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is reminding the public to take precautions when handling fireworks. Fireworks can cause serious injuries to the hands, fingers, arms and face, many of which may have lasting consequences. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 14,700 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2024, a 52% increase from 2023.¹

“Many fireworks injuries affect the hands and fingers and can result in severe burns, fractures or even amputations,” said Tyler Steven Pidgeon, MD, FAAOS, orthopaedic hand surgeon and spokesperson for the AAOS. “Even devices that may seem harmless, such as sparklers, can reach temperatures hot enough to cause serious injuries. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional public display and keep children away from all consumer fireworks.”

AAOS offers the following safety tips to help prevent fireworks-related bone and joint injuries:

• Check with your local police department to determine if fireworks are legal in your area. If so, find out which types, and verify that there is not a burn ban in effect in your community that might create hazardous fire conditions.
• Never purchase or use illegal fireworks. Their quality cannot be assured.
• Only adults should light fireworks.
• Never allow young children to play with or go near fireworks, including sparklers. Some sparklers can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees.
• Always have water close by in case of a fire, such as a hose hooked to a faucet or a nearby bucket of water.
• Wear safety eyewear when using fireworks.
• Soak used fireworks in water before discarding to prevent setting unintentional fires.
• Never try to relight a firework.
• If you are injured using fireworks, seek immediate medical attention.
• Never handle fireworks if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

For additional information about fingertip injuries and amputations, visit OrthoInfo.org.

¹ CPSC Urges Fireworks Safety Ahead of July 4th Holiday | CPSC.gov

SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons