Fireworks injuries, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2008-2017

Although fireworks shows are considered patriotic and festive, the use of consumer fireworks also can be dangerous. There were 302 records of fireworks injuries during the 10-year surveillance period (2.4 cases per 100,000 person- years [p-yrs]). During 2008-2017, the lowest crude annual incidence of fireworks injury was reported in 2010 (1.5 per 100,000 p-yrs) and the highest was reported in 2017 (3.4 per 100,000 p-yrs). Compared with their respective counterparts, overall incidence of fireworks injury was higher among males, non-Hispanic whites, Army members, those in an enlisted rank, and those in combat-specific occupations. Of all incident fireworks injuries, the most commonly affected body regions were hand/wrist (45.0%), head/neck (27.8%), and leg (7.9%). The most common types of injuries were burns (57.0%), open wounds (14.6%), and contusion/superficial injuries (13.2%). Although the incidence of fireworks injuries among active component service members was found to be generally low, there is still risk of serious injury if proper safety and handling precautions are not taken.