Kids playing with fireworks without adult supervision ended with a boy receiving 2nd degree burns. The pictures are graphic.
A group of children found the fireworks and decided to light them. The fireworks fell over, badly burning the boy.
“He had very deep 2nd degree burns on his neck and it was not 4 inches from his eye,” Jimmy Parks with Children’s’ Hospital said.
The boy could have permanent scars.
Information from Children's Hospital
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports a ban on private use of fireworks, and there are laws limiting sales and usage in every state. The AAP, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommend:
- Leave fireworks to the professionals; do not use consumer fireworks.
- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
- Children should never pick up left-over fireworks, as they may still be active.
Nevertheless, people continue to use fireworks. Parents are, by far, the best judge of their child’s maturity and level of responsibility. The question of age appropriateness in shooting fireworks depends on the child’s level of maturity and how well your child thinks and responds in times of excitement. In general, children probably should be older than 14 and should have been taught the rules and pros and cons of fireworks. If fireworks are to be used, parents should insist upon certain rules if children are present.
- Always have an adult present if fireworks are going to be shot.
- Make sure all labels and instructions are read and completely followed.
- Fireworks should be bought only from reliable sellers.
- Fireworks should be ignited only outdoors.
- Always have a water source available since fireworks occasionally ignite grass, clothing, etc.
- Children should not handle fireworks of any kind, including sparklers.
- Fireworks should never be thrown or pointed at other people.
- Only one firework should be ignited at a time.
- Never try to ignite a “dud” firework of any kind.
As an absolute rule, fireworks should never be shot in metal or glass containers. Bottle rockets cause numerous severe injuries every year, particularly eye injuries and loss of sight. They are the most potentially damaging fireworks.
Everyone loves the visual display of fireworks, and the American celebration of Independence Day has always been associated with fireworks. By far, the best solution for giving your children a fireworks display is to plan a family outing at a public fireworks display. These fireworks can be tremendously entertaining and are not associated with such a high risk of permanent injury. It is also an outing the family as a whole can enjoy.
