6/15/2009

Keep the Fourth Fun by Being Responsible – Play it Safe

Although the Fourth of July brings a dazzling display of fireworks, it also brings an increase in preventable injuries.  Most injuries caused by fireworks take place in the month surrounding July 4.  Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center and Kleinert Kutz & Associates encourage you to take precautions that can easily decrease your risk of avoidable injuries.
 
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2007 nearly 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework related injuries.  Out of all body parts injured, hands were most frequently harmed, responsible for 31 percent of sustained injuries.  Among all age groups, children 10-14 years of age have the highest per capita injury rate.  Parents often think that sparklers are safe fireworks for young children to use, but even these can reach temperatures of over 1,000˚ F, hot enough to cause serious burns and injuries.
 
“It’s unfortunate that there are so many accidents involving fireworks,” said hand surgeon Huey Tien, M.D., with Kleinert Kutz & Associates. “The majority of the injuries people suffer can be fairly easily prevented, especially those involving children.  With proper parental supervision, the rate that children are injured would not be as high.”
 
The CPSC recently reported that most firework injuries were a result of the misuse rather than the malfunction of consumer or family-used fireworks.  However, illegal fireworks continue to be a problem as they contribute to about 30 percent of all firework injuries.
 
“People need to remember that although most fireworks can be relatively safe, this is only the case if the proper precautions are taken,” said Tien.
 
The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends these tips when utilizing fireworks:
• Only use fireworks outdoors
• Store fireworks in dry, cool places
• Obey your local laws
• Have water available in a bucket or hose in case of fire
• Never relight a defective firework
• Fireworks should not be used when drinking alcohol
• Adult supervision is needed for children under 16
• Do not attempt to use homemade fireworks
• Do no place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting it
• Always use common sense when operating fireworks
 

ABOUT THE JEWISH HOSPITAL HAND CARE CENTER
Jewish Hospital is the first in the United States to provide a unique state-of-the-art facility specially designed and equipped to treat hand, arm and shoulder injuries and diseases complete with emergency care, operating suites and overnight recovery center – all in one location. Physicians from Kleinert Kutz, along with specially trained Jewish Hospital hand care professionals, staff the Jewish Hospital Hand Care Center bringing the latest advances in medicine and treatment. The facility provides immediate and emergency care to patients. The Hand Care Center allows more direct and rapid treatment for those with specific injuries and problems to the hand, arm and shoulder.
 
ABOUT KLEINERT KUTZ & ASSOCIATES
Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center is one of the largest hand care programs in the world, pioneering achievements in hand and microsurgery, research, therapy and orthotics. The physicians of Kleinert Kutz offer expertise in orthopedic and plastic surgery and provide comprehensive upper extremity care – from major trauma and replantations to less serious problems such as minor injuries. World “firsts” in partnership with Jewish Hospital and the University of Louisville School of Medicine include:
 
·         World’s first successful hand transplant
·         First reported repair of a digital artery
·         Technique for successful primary flexor tendon repair
          in “No Man’s Land”
·         First bilateral forearm replantation
·         First bilateral upper arm replantation
·         Pioneering work in primary reconstruction using free tissue transfer.