July 19, 2004
HONOLULU — There were 32 fireworks-related injuries recorded
throughout the state over this past Fourth of July weekend, according
to the Injury Prevention Program of the Hawaii Department of Health.
Although injuries from the July 4th period were lower than rates taken
over the New Year’s holiday (72 injuries) in 2004, this
year’s total has almost doubled compared to rates recorded July
4, 2003 (17 injuries).
Of the 32 injuries that were treated at emergency departments in
Hawaii, the geographic distribution was:
- Oahu: 25 injuries (78% of the total)
- Hawaii: 2 injuries (6%)
- Maui County: 2 injuries (6%) (One injury on Maui, the other on
Molokai.)
- Kauai: 3 injuries (9%)
- More than two-thirds (71%) of the patients were males. The age of
the patients ranged from 0 to 40 years, but most (80%) were 14 years or
younger.
- Most (71%) of the patients were injured while setting off or
holding the firework.
- Almost all (97%) of the injuries were burns.
- Hands and fingers were the most commonly injured body areas (66% of
patients).
- More than two-thirds (69%) were sustained during 7:00 pm to
midnight.
The Department of Health Injury Prevention and Control Program urges
the public to remember to take special precautions to prevent fireworks
related-injury. Here are a few tips that can help keep children and
adults safe:
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting
fireworks.
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house,
dry leaves, and flammable materials.
- Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
- Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire.
For more information on firework safety log on to the Hawaii State
Department of Health website at www.hawaii.gov/health or visit the US
Consumer Product Safety Commission at http://www.cpsc.gov.
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For more information, contact:
Darcie Yukimura, Communications
Department of Health
Phone: (808) 586-4442
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