Get Ready to Deal with Independence Day Mishaps

Just as sure as your dog will be cowering in the corner once fireworks start booming, urgent care centers can expect to see a range of injuries related to “celebrations” gone awry in the coming days. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the most common injuries occur to hands and fingers, followed by the head and face, the legs, and the eyes. Last year, Independence Day sent roughly 9,100 people to emergency rooms. The biggest culprit, naturally, is fireworks—especially those set off by private citizens. Firecrackers can explode earlier than expected, bottle rockets can take off in unpredictable trajectories, and sparklers (which can reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit) can actually ignite clothing if the user isn’t careful. As such, burns may be the most likely presentation. You should also be prepared for patients presenting with gastrointestinal complaints from such dangers as undercooked meat, or mayonnaise-based dishes that have been improperly stored.