HARRISBURG, Pa., July 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fireworks sales will be blazing across the country from now through the Fourth of July. As retailers begin their promotions, the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO), the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians (PACEP), and the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) join the American Academy of Ophthalmology in shining light on the explosive fact: fireworks injuries cause approximately 10,000 visits to the emergency room each year, according to the data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of these injuries, 1,300 are eye related, a staggering number that has doubled in recent years.
Fireworks injuries largely occur in the weeks before and after Fourth of July. To help prevent these injuries, PAO, PACEP, PAMED and the Academy are debunking four myths about consumer fireworks risks:
"Enjoy the show from a safe distance," said emergency physician Merle Carter, MD, FACEP, PACEP President. "Everyone has 24/7 access to emergency care when they need it, but emergency physicians and other emergency healthcare providers encourage you to be cautious and do all you can to avoid unnecessary injury to your eyes, fingers, and other extremities as you celebrate on the Fourth."
If you experience a fireworks injury:
"Physicians in Pennsylvania will never stand by passively when someone is in harm's way," says Scott Shapiro MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. "This is why we oppose SB 1055."
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology has been working to preserve and protect vision and eye health for Pennsylvania's citizens since 1943. With member physicians throughout the Commonwealth, the PAO strives to be the voice of ophthalmology; making efforts to ensure quality eye care on the legislative and regulatory fronts, while building and maintaining relationships with major insurance carriers within the state.
The Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians (PACEP) is a state chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), a professional member organization representing emergency physicians since 1971. PACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Learn more at www.paacep.org.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society was founded in 1848. To learn more about PAMED, visit its web site at www.pamedsoc.org or follow on Twitter @PAMEDSociety. Members of the media are encouraged to follow Chuck Moran on Twitter @ChuckMoran7.
This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise™. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.
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Fireworks injuries largely occur in the weeks before and after Fourth of July. To help prevent these injuries, PAO, PACEP, PAMED and the Academy are debunking four myths about consumer fireworks risks:
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- Small doesn't equal safe. A common culprit of fireworks injuries is the kind often handed to small children – the classic sparkler. Many people mistakenly believe sparklers are harmless due to their size. However, they can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt certain metals. Even those tiny poppers or snappers can pose dangers. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety 2014 Fireworks report- 35 percent of all fireworks related injuries were to children under the age of 15.
- Even though it looks like a dud, it may not act like one. At age 16, Jameson Lamb was hit square in the eye with a Roman candle that he thought had been extinguished. Now 20, Lamb has gone through multiple surgeries including a corneal transplant and a stem cell transplant.
- Just because you're not lighting or throwing it doesn't mean you're out of the firing line. Each year individuals who are spectating personal fireworks displays are injured. Of the eight firework related deaths in 2014, 2 victims were not the users.
- The Fourth can be complete without using consumer fireworks. The Academy advises that the safest way to view fireworks is to watch a professional show.
"Enjoy the show from a safe distance," said emergency physician Merle Carter, MD, FACEP, PACEP President. "Everyone has 24/7 access to emergency care when they need it, but emergency physicians and other emergency healthcare providers encourage you to be cautious and do all you can to avoid unnecessary injury to your eyes, fingers, and other extremities as you celebrate on the Fourth."
If you experience a fireworks injury:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Avoid rubbing or rinsing the eyes or applying pressure.
- Do not place ointment or take any blood thinning medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen before being treated by a medical professional.
"Physicians in Pennsylvania will never stand by passively when someone is in harm's way," says Scott Shapiro MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. "This is why we oppose SB 1055."
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology has been working to preserve and protect vision and eye health for Pennsylvania's citizens since 1943. With member physicians throughout the Commonwealth, the PAO strives to be the voice of ophthalmology; making efforts to ensure quality eye care on the legislative and regulatory fronts, while building and maintaining relationships with major insurance carriers within the state.
The Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians (PACEP) is a state chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), a professional member organization representing emergency physicians since 1971. PACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Learn more at www.paacep.org.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society was founded in 1848. To learn more about PAMED, visit its web site at www.pamedsoc.org or follow on Twitter @PAMEDSociety. Members of the media are encouraged to follow Chuck Moran on Twitter @ChuckMoran7.
This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise™. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fireworks-safety-on-the-minds-of-physicians-300289284.html
SOURCE Pennsylvania Medical Society