At least 8 people died from fireworks in 2023

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, a department of the federal government, has released a new report detailing the many fireworks accidents that will occur in 2023.

The deaths listed in the report are related to the non-professional use of fireworks for private and homemade use.

Emergency physicians have a lot to do in the summer, especially around the Fourth of July.

Dr. Benedict Ifedi of the Memorial Hermann Medical Group recommends leaving the fireworks to the professionals, but at least making sure they are handled safely.

“When using fireworks, make sure they are operated by adults only. Never move your body directly over the fireworks. Hold the fireworks in your hand when lighting them. This increases the risk of hand injuries, eye injuries or other catastrophic events that we want to avoid. Make sure you have a cold or at least a bucket of water to be able to extinguish the fireworks because one of the biggest risks is when the fireworks have gone out,” Dr Ifedi said on Friday.