North Memorial Health Doctor Warns of Fireworks Injuries

A doctor from North Memorial Health doctor is issuing a word of warning to people playing with fireworks this weekend.

“So, I love the 4th of July but on the 4th of July at North Memorial, we’ll usually see someone who blows off his hand or blows up his face or even die from the accidents,” said Dr. Allen Van Beek, a board-certified plastic surgeon at North Memorial Health.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 14,700 people across the United States were injured by fireworks last year, and 11 people died.

Injuries were up 52 percent and deaths were up by 38 percent compared to 2023.

Most of the incidents stemmed from recklessness or firework malfunctions, said Dr. Van Beek. The most injuries occurred to hands and fingers.

“I wish it was a nice, isolated injury,” said Dr. Van Beek. “But [hands and fingers] are literally blown apart. And most of the time, we’re putting pieces back together that are still attached but shredded.”

Dr. Allen Van Beek is a plastic surgeon with North Memorial Health.

Dr. Van Beek said if you’re injured by fireworks to immediately get to a Level I trauma center. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following tips to prevent injuries and death from fireworks:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in hand unless instructions specify to do so

Related: Maple Grove’s Cherry Bomb Fireworks Looks to Compete in Crowded Market

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