Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro
Pediatrician
Dr Shapiro completed his undergraduate education at UC San Diego earning a B S in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and a B A in Political Science He furthered his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters Degree in Public…
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LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA, USA
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'Tis the Season to be Safe
6
Posted in Accidents by Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro on Jun 30, 2009

July 4th week and we all know what that means...hopefully some barbequing, swimming, spending time with family and friends, and of course, enjoying the fireworks.   As a child, I recall going to a nearby relative's house for the "street show" after purchasing the jumbo pack from a local corner stand.  Now I never recall any injuries occurring but I know others were not so lucky as over the years, those stands began disappearing following the safety concerns surrounding home fireworks. 

But for those who have the attitude "that won't happen to me", I refer you to some recent statistics regarding fireworks provided by the the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

      As recently as 2006, fireworks caused over 32,000 reported fires, including 1,700 total structure fires, 600 vehicle fires, and 30,000 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 6 deaths, 70 injuries and $34 million in property damage.

      In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated nearly 10,000 people for fireworks related injuries; with over 50% of these injuries involving the extremities and over 1/3 involving the head.

      The risk of fireworks injury was 2.5x higher for children in the 5-9 or 10-14 age group as compared to the general population.

      On a typical 4th of July, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day with fireworks accounting for half of those fires.  

So despite my enjoyment of the sidewalk shows so many years ago, I am all about prevention, and therefore, support the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stressing the importance of not purchasing fireworks for home use and attending or viewing public firework displays only.  There have been just too many unneseccary injuries and deaths related to home fireworks.

 

Dr. Jeremy


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Displaying comments 6-1 of 6
6
hello
By higoo  Jul 22, 2009
5
Fireworks injury during holidays are really relatively high in rate. I think, we can still celebrate holidays without fireworks, right? There's a saying "Prevention is better than cure". Well, the virtue and value of a clear mind possessing reason and logic, as well as a healthy body, have been extolled as the best virtues a person can have since antiquity. The art of having to balance life and all of its tribulations is tricky enough without having the added burden of finances, so that's why it is important to know your options. Sarah Palin had surely known her options and priorities. Well, the news wires are buzzing about the Sarah Palin Runner's World interview. The Sarah Palin Runner's World interview is getting attention especially since the news broke just after it ran that Palin Quits, as governor of Alaska, same as the Palin Vanity Fair spread. Some claim it's so she can concentrate on a Palin 2012 run for President. Her comments in the articles get a bit confusing – although many people have come close to throwing unsecured loans into distilling anything Palin has said into something that resembles a statement that makes sense. Still, a lot of people might look into payday loans to get their own copy of the Sarah Palin Runner’s Interview.
By DailD  Jul 10, 2009
4
'Tisn't It always. I for one, Am always In favor "Safe" seasons, after all we only have four, somehow we will survive.
By nimblecat  Jul 07, 2009
3
That's a remarkable coincidence about your childhood. I, too, had similar experiences with the street show, and the kids could only touch the snakes and sparklers. Snakes and sparklers are all that is legal in Illinois, where I live, but that doesn't stop people from going to Wisconsin or Indiana to pick up stuff. Last night, we also witnessed some homemade M-1000s.
By MattyS  Jul 05, 2009
2
In PA here, you can not buy most fireworks without a license to use them with the exception of sparklers, and a few of the "minor" fireworks, but I am really glad you put the statistics up for us.
By sja  Jul 02, 2009
1
As a South African, we celebrated Guy Fawkes, but not in a huge way. A couple of rockets, a few sparklers and that was that. I lived in the UK for 9 months, several years ago now, and on Guy Fawkes Night, which is 5 November, I walked home from the bus stop absolutely terrified by all the bangs going off in gardens around me.

The celebrate Guy Fawkes in NZ too, though more on the SA scale. But you still hear of fires as a result.

With all the stories you hear, I would like to see fireworks banned with the exception of professional displays. I mean, why would you put ordinance in the hands of amateurs?
By ClaresMom  Jul 01, 2009
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