As communities across the nation gather to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, Eskenazi Health is reminding everyone to make safety part of their Independence Day traditions.

From neighborhood cookouts to fireworks displays, July Fourth celebrations bring family and friends together. Unfortunately, they can also lead to serious injuries when proper precautions are not followed. Doctors are especially concerned as high summer temperatures will also descend on Central Indiana just in time for July 4th celebrations.

"America's 250th birthday is a time to celebrate our nation's history and create lasting memories with loved ones," said Leigh Spera, M.D., medical director of the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center. "We want everyone to enjoy the holiday safely and avoid preventable injuries that can quickly turn a celebration into a medical emergency."

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are treated in emergency departments each year for fireworks-related injuries, with many incidents occurring in the weeks surrounding Independence Day. Hands, fingers, eyes and the face are among the most commonly injured areas.

Eskenazi Health encourages families to leave fireworks to trained professionals and attend one of the many public light displays offered in Central Indiana around July 4.

"Even fireworks that seem harmless, such as sparklers, can reach temperatures hot enough to cause severe burns," Dr. Spera said. "Many injuries occur in just seconds and can have lasting consequences."

If you do decide to light fireworks at home, exercise extreme caution, and be sure to follow these tips:

• Never allow children to light or handle fireworks.
• Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance.
• Wear clothing that fits closely, and avoid loose, flowing garments. 
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away quickly. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of fire. 
• Never try to relight a burned-out or “dud” firework. Soak it in water and throw it away.
• Never take fireworks apart or modify them in any way. 
• Avoid buying fireworks in brown paper packaging, which is a sign they are made for professional displays.
• Follow all local laws and manufacturer instructions.

“Every Fourth of July, emergency departments across the country treat patients with serious injuries that occur in a matter of seconds,” said Tyler Stepsis, M.D., chief of the Michael & Susan Smith Emergency Department at Eskenazi Health. “Many fireworks and grilling injuries are preventable. Taking extra precautions can help families avoid an unexpected trip to the emergency department and keep the focus on celebrating with loved ones.”

In addition to fireworks safety, Eskenazi Health encourages residents to use caution around grills, another common source of holiday burn injuries. To keep yourself and your family safe, please follow these guidelines:

• Use propane and charcoal grills outdoors only.
• Position grills well away from the home, deck and overhanging branches. 
• Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
• Clean grills regularly to prevent grease buildup and flare-ups.
• Never leave your grill unattended while cooking.
• Check propane connections for leaks before use.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.

If a clothing fire occurs, remember to stop, drop and roll. For burn injuries, remove jewelry and restrictive clothing from the affected area, cool the burn with cool — not cold — running water, and cover it with a clean, dry cloth or loose bandage. Seek immediate medical attention for serious burns, and call 911 in an emergency.

The American Burn Association (ABA) and the American College of Surgeons recently recertified the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health as a recognized adult burn center. The first verified burn center in Indiana, it is renowned as one of the finest and most progressive burn centers in the country. For more information on burn prevention, please call the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center’s burn prevention hotline at 1.866.339.BURN.

Eskenazi Health is also home to the busiest emergency department in the state, and Indiana’s first Level I trauma center. Housed within the emergency department is the Smith Level I Shock Trauma Center at Eskenazi Health, which offers a comprehensive regional resource that is central to the trauma system by providing total care for every aspect of injury, from prevention to rehabilitation. Key elements include 24-hour in-house coverage by Board Certified Trauma/Acute Care Surgeons with prompt availability of care in specialties such as orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology, internal medicine and critical care.