Chicago Fire Department officials joined medical and public safety experts, at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, to educate the public on the dangerous and lasting impact fireworks can have on families, pets, and combat veterans suffering from PTSD.
“The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports a 25 percent increase in fireworks’ injuries during the past 15 years (with an average of more than 10,000 injuries per year), as well as dozens of fatalities during the past decade.
In 2022 in Illinois, these injuries also included 20 dismemberments according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal,” explained Margaret Vaughn, Government Affairs Director of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, which runs an annual camp for children who are burn survivors (Camp ‘I am Me’). The psychological and physical effects of these injuries last long after the Fourth of July, impacting the victim and their family for years on end.
“America’s birthday brings families and friends all across the country together, but please be vigilant and cautious when using fireworks,” said Lindsey Jaeger, MD, an emergency room physician at U Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital. “I have seen the devastating injuries that have occurred from fireworks, including a child losing a hand, eye, or severe burns. Let’s enjoy a fun and safe Fourth of July and leave the fireworks to the professionals.”
Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said, “I implore those who wish to experience the excitement of fireworks to do so only at professionally licensed venues. Tragically, we have seen, time and again, the disastrous effect of fireworks injuries in Chicago that have resulted in loss of limbs and permanent disfigurement from people mishandling these devices where excitement takes priority over safety.”
“Most people think a fireworks’ injury could never impact them, but in a split second that can all change. My daughter was five years old when another child’s sparkler briefly caught the back of her dress and ended up resulting in 70 percent of her body being burned, including weeks in a burn unit and months of care. She will forever have those physical scars and, we, as her family, will forever have the emotional scars. Leaving fireworks to professionals will save countless families from the pain and hardship that not only the ‘accident’ brought but the years of healing those physical and emotional scars have caused us to endure. So many childhood illnesses are not preventable, but fireworks injuries are. A simple decision to go to a professional display rather than the neighbor’s yard could end up impacting the rest of your life,” explained Aileen Marquez, a parent of a young burn survivor.
“People suffering from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can experience physiological and emotional symptoms when they are reminded of their trauma,” said Royce Lee, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago Medicine. “The sounds and lights of fireworks can trigger traumatic memories in veterans, first responders, and victims of community violence. Please leave fireworks to the experts and scheduled programs to avoid unwelcome surprises. The approximately one-in-15 people with PTSD in America look and behave just like everyone else, as they usually are reluctant to disclose their problems. So, one simply never knows how igniting fireworks can impact your family, friends, and community.”
“In Illinois, both fireworks classified as Class B1.3G and Class C 1.4G (also known as consumer fireworks) explosives are illegal for sale and use by the public. Violations can result in fines of up to $2,500 and a year in prison. Professional pyrotechnic operators are regulated by the state and federal governments,” explained Margaret Vaughn, Government Affairs Director of the Illinois Firefighters Association.
“Though innocent looking, sparklers account for the second highest percentage of injuries behind firecrackers. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the equivalent of handing a child a blow torch. Dozens of communities, including the City of Chicago, ban the use of sparklers in Illinois,” explained Chicago Fire Department District Chief of Safety Walter Schroeder.
Fire officials did a live demo showing how, if a sparkler slightly brushes up against clothing, it can completely engulf the material in flames in a matter of seconds and quickly turn a celebration into a tragedy.
Leslie Jaurez-Law, DVP with the West Loop Veterinary Care, was on also hand to explain how the fireworks season can carry significant safety risk to pets.
“The July 4 holiday can be an especially stressful time for animals – particularly for our cats, dogs, and even exotic companion animals. With their strong sense of hearing, fireworks sound more like a war type of environment than a celebration. Animals will try to get away from the noise. Your pets may escape through an open door or window, jump a backyard fence, or try to break away from you when out on a leash. This puts them in a dangerous situation that can lead to severe injury or even death,” said Dr Juarez-Law.
Dr. Juarez-Law suggests pet owners take steps to minimize the trauma pets experience during the July 4 holiday. She recommends pet owners:
Never take their pets to celebrations with fireworks.
Make certain all pets have proper identification, including a microchip and up-to-date collar tags with the pet’s name, address, and owner’s phone number.
As always, cats should be kept indoors.
Dogs should be walked before dark, on a leash, and under the control of a responsible adult.
Do not leave dogs unattended outdoors – not even in your own backyard.
Pet owners should keep doors and windows closed and play soft music to muffle the sound of fireworks.
Distract your pet with a longer lasting treat, such as a toy or licky mat filled with peanut butter. Puzzles and chew toys also can help distract them.
Consider using over-the-counter products, such as pheromones and calming shirts. Try them out briefly prior to the holiday to make certain your pet does not have any adverse reaction to the products.
Pet owners can learn more at www.WestLoopVet.com.