Sparking the Debate: Facial Injury Patterns from Fireworks

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Trauma Surgery
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Facial injuries from fireworks are a significant public health concern.
• Emergency department (ED) data provides valuable insights into injury trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the incidence, injury patterns, and demographics of fireworks-related facial injuries presenting to EDs.
• To analyze trends in these injuries from 2013 to 2017.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database.
• Inclusion of ED visits for facial injuries specifically caused by fireworks between 2013 and 2017.

Main Results:

• An estimated 19,816 ED visits for fireworks-related head and neck injuries occurred from 2013-2017.
• Injuries predominantly affected males (67%), with a median age of 16; over 90% occurred in July.
• Eyeballs (41%) and midface structures (31%) were the most common injury sites, with contusions and burns being frequent injury types.

Conclusions:

• Teenagers are the most affected demographic, highlighting the need for stricter fireworks safety regulations and age restrictions.
• The high incidence of eye injuries underscores the importance of public education on protective eyewear.
• Understanding these injury patterns can improve clinical assessment for concurrent injuries.