Looking back on an event 20 years ago it should not come as any surprise that teenage males, beer, and fireworks are a dangerous mix. We were engaged in activity of breaking bottle rockets off there sticks and dropping them on the ground. One fellow bent over to tie his shoe just as a bottle rocket zinged across the ground and exploded in his face. He frantically ran around cussing and claiming that he was blind. Once we pried his hand away from his face he was able to see but he had a superficial and partial thickness burn around his left eye.

This week millions of Americans will unleash a cornucopia of fireworks in their yards, driveways and parks in celebration of the 4th of July holiday. The risk for injury is high, because like my story the small displays will involve a wide range of ages, abilities, and alcohol consumption.

Today the CDC

released guidelines for prevention of fireworks related injuries. According to the CDC:

• In 2006, eleven people in the United States died, and an estimated 9,200 were treated in emergency departments, for fireworks-related 
• About one in every three fireworks-related injuries in 2006 happened between June 16 and July 16. 
• People actively participating in fireworks-related activities are more frequently and severely injured than bystanders. 
• During the time around the 4th of July, almost half of those injured by fireworks were children and young adults under 20. 
• Injuries from fireworks most often affect the hands, eyes, head, face, and ears.
•  Fireworks can cause blindness, third degree burns, and permanent scarring.
• They can also cause life-threatening residential and motor vehicle fires.