BUFFALO, N.Y. (Friday, July 2, 2004) - Every year, thousands of people nationwide -- mostly children -- are seriously injured in fireworks-related incidents. That's why Kaleida Health is taking time out of this Fourth of July holiday to encourage everyone to leave fireworks in the hands of experts.

"Because they are caused by amateur misuse, a majority of these fireworks-related injuries are preventable," said James Kelly, D.O., a hand surgeon at Kaleida's Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital.

The Hand Center of Western New York, where Dr. Kelly practices, sees an increase of hand injuries and fireworks-related accidents the week of July 4th. Dr. Kelly said the most common injuries are due to blast forces and heat , and include dislocation, fractures, loss of digits and burning of extremities.

The most serious of these he said, are permanent, resulting in the loss of an eye, a finger, or life. Injuries can occur in an instant if a device goes off course or if a child grabs it. Even sparklers, which are considered by many to be harmless, can heat up over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

"This Fourth of July we would rather have celebrants enjoy the holiday and get home safely rather than have to take a trip to the emergency room," said Dr. Kelly. "We recommend that the public attend one of the many community events being held this Fourth of July that will have professional fireworks displays."

Kaleida Health and Dr. Kelly also remind the public: If you - or someone you know - is hurt, immediately call 911. Be sure to listen closely to what the 911 operator says, as it can save someone's life and/or limb. Unfortunately, time is of the essence in a fireworks related injury.

According to the Journal for Emergency Medical Services (JEMS), 9,500 fireworks injuries were reported to hospital emergency departments in 2001. Another 12 people died from injuries in fires started by fireworks in 1999, the latest figures available. About half of all fireworks related injuries in 2001 occurred among those under the age of 15.

Nearly half (43%) of these injuries were to the head, and nearly half (48%) were to extremities, primarily hand or finger. The majority types of injuries were burns (59%) while lacerations were second (20%). Aside from injuries, according to national statistics, amateurs do more than $20 million in property damage every year due to misuse of fireworks.