UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital Offers Tips to Avoid Fireworks Injuries

Every Fourth of July, staff at UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital’s Emergency Room (ER) sees patients with injuries related to fireworks and urges individuals to leave fireworks to the professionals. 

Nationally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 15 deaths from fireworks in 2025. In addition, an estimated 13,000 consumers were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. The most commonly injured body parts are the hands and fingers (35 percent) followed by heads, faces and ears (22 percent). The 15-24 age group accounted for the largest share of reported injuries.

Finley Hospital’s ER consistently sees an increase in fireworks injuries in the weeks surrounding the Fourth of July holiday.

If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.

For a safe holiday, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Young children shouldn’t play with fireworks. If you give older kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing and hair. 
• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Always use sparklers outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
• If you are with someone using fireworks – keep your distance. Fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone.
• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.

If an individual is injured by fireworks, immediately receive medical care.