CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - As we approach the 4th of July holiday weekend, there is a warning from those who see the end result of fireworks accidents: Leave fireworks to the professionals.
Kelly McElligott, Burn Outreach Coordinator for the Loyola University Medical Center Burn Center says what’s most upsetting and disheartening about fireworks accidents is that they’re so preventable, yet, she says, most people think tragedy will not strike them.
“Firework injuries often range from traumatic injuries like amputations of fingers or even full hands that are destroyed. Last year, we actually saw three different patients who had lost their eyes because they had leaned over to look into a firework that wasn’t firing and then, it went off.”
McElligott says even sparklers, which are legal in Illinois, can cause significant burns because they can reach temperatures of 1,800 degrees.
“You can get burned by hot water at 140 degrees. “1,800 is so hot and I think everyone thinks they’re nothing. It’s just a safe, little, fun firework for your kids to hold but the tragedy could be huge," McElligott said.
McElligott’s recommendation: Forego doing fireworks yourself and check out the professionally run shows in the city and suburbs.
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