Hospitals expect influx of patients, burn injuries over Fourth of July weekend

Moving into the Fourth of July weekend, hospitals are expecting to see more people hurt by fireworks.

In Columbia, because University Hospital is a Level 1 Trauma Center, doctors said they can see patients from as far south as Lake of the Ozarks to north of Kirksville over the holiday. Many patients are expected to have injuries from fireworks but they do expect other traumatic injuries from boating or other celebratory activities.

Fireworks are particularly dangerous because of the flame and gunpowder used to make the firework light up.

Experts say all fireworks should be used by an adult or under close adult supervision.

“We say (stay away) six to 10 feet, that children are absolutely not to go near (the fireworks),” said Dr. Jeff Litt, a burn specialist with University Hospital.

It’s not just the fireworks that are a danger for kids, either.

“We’ve already had several young children run across hot coals and get feet burns, not realizing that just because they’re covered with dirt or sand they’re still (walking on a surface that’s) several hundred degrees,” Litt said.

How you discard of fireworks is also important. Using a bucket of water or a sand pit are the ideal methods.

“Fireworks are still very hot after they’re shot off,” said Nancy Palmer, owner of a local fireworks stand.

In Columbia, most fireworks are illegal but sparklers are allowed. Sparklers are a popular firework for children, but they can also be the most dangerous.

“If you’re looking at temperature as the gauge of dangerousness, sparklers would be at the top because they can get between 1,000 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit,” Litt said. “Instantaneous third degree burn, less than a millisecond.”

Litt said because sparklers are common, easy to find and obtain, they’re an easy target for kids’ affection. But he also said kids sometimes will grab the sparked end of the sparkler instead of the handle.

If you do get a burn, Litt recommends cool, not cold, compresses.

“When a body get injured, it needs blood flow to start the healing process and very cold temperatures can decrease blood flow,” Litt said.

Litt said larger burns should be seen by a physician. Smaller burns and blistered areas should be checked out, though not necessarily immediately after the incident.