Cookeville Regional Emergency Physician Cautions Fireworks Users Ahead Of Fourth Of July

Fireworks will be a major part of celebrations this weekend, but don’t let the celebrations turn into injuries.

Cookeville Regional Emergency Physician Dr. Omar Hamada said one of the worst things people can do is mix alcohol and fireworks. He said on weekends like the Fourth of July the emergency room treats injuries that could have been prevented.

“This weekend I’m anticipating we’ll see injuries from fireworks, hopefully, nothing serious but we will usually see burns or skin trauma, rarely but occasionally eye trauma that can be life-altering,” Hamada said. “And then we also see things that are alcohol-related. Whether it’s head injuries from falls or people getting a little crazy and doing things that they shouldn’t be doing when they’re drunk.”

Hamada said that most fireworks-related accidents are simply user error. Cherry bombs are meant to be thrown, not held. Bottle rockets should be shot into a clear path, not at someone.

Hamada said that on major holiday weekends like the Fourth or Memorial Day, he always cautions people to be smart and to use their heads.

“Like John Wayne used to say, ‘Life is hard, it’s even harder if you’re stupid,'” Hamada said with a laugh. “So have a great time, and enjoy being an American.”