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Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of fireworks-related injuries in Los Angeles County trauma centers
Andrea Sozzi1, Anaar Siletz2, Negar Nekooei2
1Acute Care Surgery, Los Angeles Medical Center, USC School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA. andrea.sozzi@unimi.it.
Purpose:
Fireworks-related injuries (FWIs) remain a public health concern during festivities, affecting mainly adolescents and young adults. This study evaluates the epidemiology, demographics, and clinical features of FWIs at trauma centers in Los Angeles County.
Methods:
A retrospective review of the Los Angeles County Trauma Registry identified all FWI patients included in the trauma registries of 12 trauma centers (2015-2022). Collected data included demographics, injury characteristics, and outcomes. Injury severity was measured by AIS and ISS. Incidence rates used U.S. Census intercensal estimates.
Results:
A total of 244 FWI patients (0.31/100,000) presented, rising from 0.19 to 0.47/100,000 (peak 0.66 in 2021). Patients were predominantly male (92.6%) and aged 15-34 (67.6%). July accounted for 57.4% of injuries, especially July 4-5 (41.8%). Extremity injuries occurred in 86.9%, with 62.7% undergoing upper-limb amputations (94.7% of these were isolated finger amputations). Ocular injuries occurred in 31.1%; burns in 27%. Surgical intervention was needed in 79.1%. ICU admission occurred in 18.4% (median stay 3 days); median hospital stay was 4 days. No fatalities were reported.
Conclusion:
Rates of FWIs are increasing, causing significant extremity and ocular trauma; stronger prevention and enforcement are needed.
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