Fireworks Stands Offer Safety Advice To Prevent Injury
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Some fireworks stands selling fireworks in unincorporated Arapahoe County have posted warnings about the dangers of fireworks as the 4th of July holiday weekend approaches.
Last year, 11 people died in fireworks-related accidents and doctors treated more than 10,000 people for injuries in the U.S.
One fireworks stand is handing out flyers to their customers, warning them to keep fireworks at least 40 feet away from spectators.
Mishandling fireworks can result in serious burns. The University of Colorado Hospital Burn Center said burns can happen in an instant.
One patient was seriously injured when a spark ignited a box of fireworks. He spent 18 days at the region's only certified adult burn center. Unlike a broken bone, healing burned skin is much more demanding for the patient.
"Bringing them back to this space to do their wound care can be painful and anxiety-provoking procedure that happens on a daily basis," said UCH Burn Center nurse Camy Bell.
Your skin is your largest organ and burns can damage more than just that surface.
"You've lost your ability to control temperature, you've lost your ability to control infection, you've lost your ability to control fluid loss. It affects every system in your body," said Bell.
One year after the fireworks accident, that man is still recovering. His legs are still sensitive to light and his skin bruises easily.
"He's had to stay out of the sun, protect that skin so it doesn't get sunburned," said Bell.
The burn center recommends getting medical help in case of a severe burn. For minor burns run cool water over it or wrap ice in a cloth and apply, but never apply ice directly on a burn.
All fireworks are illegal in Denver and surrounding communities but are legal for sale in unincorporated Arapahoe County.
Medical experts also say the safest way to watch fireworks is to see a professional show. Check out the complete list of events in your neighborhood.
