Central Florida Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles of the Villages
Related Articles
By Rick Weber
Kelly Goebel can’t unsee the horrific images. They are permanently embedded in her memory, forever altering how she views the events that caused them.
In her 36 years of nursing experience, she has witnessed the devastating consequences of fireworks-related injuries. Having worked in a Level I trauma center and served as Chief Flight Nurse for an aeromedical transport program, she has cared for and transported patients suffering from severe burns, traumatic eye injuries and even amputations caused by fireworks.
“I am certain that none of those individuals anticipated that a day meant for celebration would end with a trip to the emergency department—or an emergency flight to a trauma center,” says Goebel, program director and assistant professor in the School of Nursing in the Marieb College of Health & Human Services at Florida Gulf Coast University.
“Many believed they were taking appropriate precautions, yet accidents still occurred. These experiences have reinforced my belief that no celebration is worth a life-altering injury and that safer alternatives can create lasting memories without the devastating consequences that can accompany fireworks. Years of providing care in these arenas have taught me one thing: People rarely expect to become the patient.”
She says backyard fireworks displays are clouded by the misconception that legal means safe. In reality, even legal fireworks are considered small explosives and are capable of causing severe injury.
“Consumers also may believe that certain fireworks such as sparklers are safe,” she says. “While media and advertising portray fireworks as fun and exciting, the devastating injuries they can cause receive less attention. Fireworks are deeply associated with celebrations such as the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, and many people have used fireworks for years without incident. But it’s important to remember that while people may have had years of backyard fireworks display, it only takes one incident to change a life.”
Class 1.4G consumer fireworks are legal to purchase in Florida for those 18 years of age or older, but their recreational use is restricted to three designated holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July. Year-round use is only legal for agricultural purposes or if the devices are non-aerial “sparklers.”
Lee County’s strict burn ban—which was extended through the spring months due to drought—has officially been rescinded following recent seasonal rainfall. But local fire departments still urge extreme caution and recommend keeping a connected hose or fire extinguisher immediately on hand. And if you live in a neighborhood governed by a Homeowners Association, your HOA rules can legally override state law. Many Lee County HOAs fine residents heavily for setting off loud or aerial fireworks.
As a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner currently practicing at Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH), Goebel would rather see fewer people celebrate the holiday with backyard fireworks displays.
“I think attending a community fireworks display is safer,” she says.
But if consumers are determined to stage their own backyard fireworks displays, Goebel stresses that they should follow established safety guidelines by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Safety Council, HealthChildren.org, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the American Burn Association (ABA) and the National Fire Protection Agency.
“Consumers should never point or throw fireworks at another person, never hold lighted fireworks in their hands, never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol, never ignite devices in a container,” she says. “Additional safety measures include wearing protective eyewear when using or standing near someone using fireworks.”
In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths in the United States—a 38% increase over 2023, with most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions, according to the CPSC. An estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks, up 52%. An estimated 1,700 emergency room-treated injuries in 2024 involving sparklers.
In multi-year tracking of fireworks-related deaths by the CPSC, 44% of the victims had consumed alcohol or drugs prior to the fatal incident. Multi-year injury estimates analyzed by Monge & Associates reveal that 11.7% of all adult fireworks injury cases treated in emergency departments directly involve alcohol or drug impairment.
“Burn injuries account for most firework injuries and may involve the hands, face, arms and legs,” Goebel says. “Burn injuries may result in redness, blistering, swelling, severe pain, and in full-thickness injuries, the burn may destroy all layers of the skin and underlying tissues. Do not apply ice, butter, ointments or home remedies. Burns should be covered with a clean, dry dressing. 911 should be called for severe burn injuries.”
Goebel’s recommendation: Keep kids out of the equation.
“Children should never be allowed to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers,” she says. “While sparklers may be considered ‘safe’, they burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and, according to the National Fire Protection Association, accounted for 29% of fireworks injuries for children under the age of 5 in 2022.
“Safer alternatives to sparklers or traditional fireworks include glow sticks, LED light toys, bubble machines, confetti poppers and colored streamers. Families can create a festive atmosphere and reduce the risk of fireworks-related injuries by planning safer alternatives such as outdoor movie nights, glow-in-the-dark games and patriotic craft activities. Decorating flag, painting rocks and other hands-on projects provide children with engaging experiences while eliminating the risk of injury.”
Have fun. But be safe.
FGCU’s Marieb College of Health & Human Services
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965
(239) 590-1000 | fgcu.edu
