Touchette Regional Hospital (TRH) is emphasizing the importance of fireworks safety as the July 4th holiday is just a few weeks away.
“Every year our ED (Emergency Department) staff sees more and more individuals for firework-related injuries,” says George Cepicky, Assistant Director of Emergency Services at TRH. “Everyone loves the 4th of July, we just want people to know how important it is to take all necessary precautions so they can have fun while staying out of the hospital.”
If attending a firework display that is not conducted by professionals, make sure to sit far enough away from the launch site. Falling or flying debris, though it may seem minimal, can cause burns and even eye injuries.
Make sure to have a bucket of water or a hose nearby. You can never be too prepared as even the smallest spark can start a fire. Cold water is also a quick remedy in the event someone gets burned.
In the event some fireworks fail to ignite, soak them in water overnight before tossing them in the trash. When you’re ready to throw them out, place the wet duds in a plastic bag so they don’t dry out sitting in the trash can.
At TRH, the experienced ED staff is available 24/7. Each employee reflects our dedication to excellence, focusing on your safety and comfort from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave for home. For more information, contact us at 618.332.5481. If you are in the midst of an emergency, please call 911 immediately.
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About Touchette Regional Hospital
Touchette Regional Hospital (TRH) has proudly served the communities of the Metro-East for more than 60 years. TRH offers Cardiopulmonary, Laboratory, Radiology, Home Healthcare, Medical Specialty Services, Pharmacy, Transportation, Sleep Center, Physical Therapy, Senior Care Services, Start Now Breast Cancer Awareness Program, Obstetrical Services, 24-hour Emergency Department, Special Needs Dentistry for children, Behavioral Health (inpatient and outpatient), Medical/Surgical/Telemetry, Intensive Care and newly updated suites for Surgical Services (inpatient and outpatient). For more information, visit www.touchette.org.