Medical City Plano burn experts provide fireworks safety tips
Plano, Texas — As July 4th celebrations approach, experts at Medical City Plano’s Burn & Reconstructive Center are raising awareness to educate the community on safety.
In 2023, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Burns accounted for 42% of emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries treated in emergency departments during July 4 and the preceding week
- 35% of fireworks injuries involved hands and fingers
- 24% of fireworks injuries involved legs
- Approximately 9,700 injuries and eight deaths involved fireworks
- Teens ages 15-19 are the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, firework-related injuries, and children ages 5-9 are the second highest
"Our team cares for more than 3,600 burn patients annually and many of those injuries could have been prevented with safety measures," says James Cross, MD, medical director of the Burn and Reconstructive Center at Medical City Plano. "As an ABA-verified Burn Center, Medical City Plano is proud to work alongside our emergency services partners to help our community stay informed and educated as part of our commitment to the care and improvement of human life."
In the case of a fireworks burn, Dr. Cross recommends quickly getting away from the heat source, then ensuring the burn site is clean. Contact a medical professional or seek emergency treatment if the burn is more than superficial. Additional advice:
- Do not apply ice directly to the burn because ice further damages the tissue. Run under tepid or room temperature water.
- Do not apply ointments, butter or other greasy substances because they can increase infection risks.
- Seek immediate medical attention for eye injuries.
Additionally, be cautious with children and the elderly as they may be more susceptible to complications from what may appear to be an even minor burn.
As one of only two verified burn centers in North Texas and the only burn center in Collin County, Medical City Plano’s Burn & Reconstructive Center provides treatment for burn patients from Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Louisiana. The outpatient burn clinic is open for walk-in appointments and treatments. Call to learn more: (469) 396-4120.