Fourth of July Insights from E.R. Doctor
July 3, 2023
As we celebrate Independence Day, it's important to remember that fireworks can be dangerous if not handled properly. To help us stay safe this holiday, we spoke with Dr. Michael Craddick, a MercyOne Genesis emergency room physician.
Preparing for Increased Volume
"We anticipate increased volume," Dr. Craddick said. "It's hard to know how much, so we always want to be over-prepared." To ensure that they are ready for anything that comes through the doors, our emergency rooms staff up both from a provider and nursing aspect over the course of the four days around the holiday.
Common Injuries
"Believe it or not, I think one of the most common injuries is with sparklers," Dr. Craddick said. "They seem to be a very benign firework. But oftentimes it's children handling them. They remain hot after they're lit. So burns from sparklers are very common.”
“In rare cases, sparklers can even catch clothes on fire."
“We will get a lot of hand injuries from someone throwing a firework and something goes wrong there," Dr. Craddick added. "Then you can really be close to when that explosive goes off."
As we celebrate the Independence Day holiday, know the experts at MercyOne Genesis' various Emergency Rooms are ready to help you or your loved ones should you need it.
