Fireworks injuries increase slightly over last year

A day after the Fourth of July, fireworks injuries seem to be up compared to last year — although more injuries could still be reported.

Despite pre-Independence Day warnings about handling fireworks with caution, Via Christi Health’s emergency departments handled 42 fireworks injuries from June 27 through early afternoon Wednesday.

“Over half of them were second-degree with a few third-degree burns,” said Amy Gunderson, nurse at Via Christi Regional Burn Center.

Third-degree burns require surgery.

Wesley Healthcare handled 23 fireworks-related injuries from June 28 through July 4, compared with 15 such injuries last year.

That brings the total so far to 65 injuries, compared with 47 last year.

The majority of the injuries were burns, with a few injuries to the eyes. All patients from Wesley were treated and released.

At Via Christi, the most common injuries were to the face or hands. Several bystanders were injured, including one toddler.

“Give plenty distance from the fireworks to the audience, even farther than what you think is necessary,” Gunderson said.

Firecrackers, mortars and sparklers are among the fireworks that cause the most injuries, said Stuart Bevis, acting fire marshal for the Wichita Fire Department. Last year, fountains joined the list.

“Firecrackers and mortars are typically in the top three,” Bevis said.

As for fires, at least four on the Fourth of July were caused by improper firework disposal.

This story was originally published July 5, 2017 at 4:49 PM with the headline "Fireworks injuries increase slightly over last year."