When fireworks go wrong: The risk of limb loss

With the Fourth of July around the corner, many families are gearing up to celebrate the holiday with friends and loved ones. For many, that includes fireworks - but a split-second mistake can quickly turn a celebration into a life-altering injury.

In fact, more than half of all firework-related injuries in the United States occur during the first eight days of July, according to a 2019 study.

Firework injuries often involve severe damage to the hands, and in some cases, permanent limb loss, explains Andrew Li, MD, orthopaedic surgeon at Loma Linda University Health, and associate professor of orthopaedics at Loma Linda University.

How can fireworks lead to limb loss?

According to Li, improper use of fireworks can result in severe burns and blast injuries to the hands, sometimes leading to loss of fingers or even higher-level amputation.

"I've seen many cases of firework injuries where fingers have to be amputated because they are burned, charred, or even blown off," Li says.

Unlike injuries caused by something sharp, blast injuries from fireworks are far more complex. The damage is often extensive, involving burns, thermal and avulsive tissue destruction, and contamination - making it nearly impossible to repair.

"When a finger is blown off from an explosive injury, there is essentially a zero percent chance we will be able to reattach it," Li explains.

While some may think losing a finger is a minor injury, the impact will last a lifetime. Even the loss of a single finger can significantly affect grip strength, coordination, and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

"You might think losing a finger isn't a big deal, but your motor skills will be permanently affected," Li says. "Once you lose a finger, that's it - it will never come back."

Safety precautions to keep in mind

Fireworks may look harmless, but they are still explosive devices and should be treated with caution.

Treat fireworks like explosives

No matter how colorful or festive they appear, fireworks are dangerous. Unless you are trained in pyrotechnics, you should not be handling fireworks. Also, if you see children or individuals under the influence of alcohol or other drugs near fireworks, so long as you are keeping safe, you should steer those individuals away from fireworks.

Avoid picking up unexploded fireworks

Do not approach or handle fireworks that did not go off or that you might find lying around.

"Unexploded fireworks are one of the most common causes of injuries," Li says. "They can unexpectedly explode in your hand, causing devastating damage."

What to do if an injury occurs

If you sustain a firework injury, call 911 immediately. Apply firm pressure to the injured area to control bleeding until emergency responders arrive.

To learn more about limb loss, prosthetics, and amputation, visit our website here.